Living in Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath: Schools, Commute & House Prices 2026
On this page
- Who lives in Dunshaughlin
- Commuting to Dublin
- Getting around Dunshaughlin
- Schools in Dunshaughlin
- Things to do in and around Dunshaughlin
- Where Dunshaughlin is
- What it costs: house prices and rent in Dunshaughlin
- Before you move: planning and flood
- Recent development in Dunshaughlin
- Flood maps
- County context
- Common questions about living in Dunshaughlin
- Nearby Meath towns
- Population and demographics
Is Dunshaughlin a nice place to live?
Dunshaughlin is home to about 2,290 households, 77% owner-occupied and 19% renting, according to Census 2022. The median sale price over the last 12 months was €478,000, versus €450,000 across the Mid-East region, and the average rent reported by the RTB is €1,891 a month. The Department of Education dataset lists 7 schools keyed to the town (5 primary, 2 post-primary), and there are 10 visitor attractions within 10 km. The nearest rail station is M3 Parkway, 9.8 km away, and 8 bus and rail routes serve the town. The sections below break each of these down.
Dunshaughlin is a town in Co. Meath, about 30 minutes from Dublin city centre by car and on the rail line, 7 schools, 76.6% of households own their home. Living here costs a median €478,000 to buy or €1,891 a month to rent (RTB Q4 2025) (a 4.7% gross yield).
Official CSO, Department of Education, Transport for Ireland, PPR & RTB data · 193 sales · PPR sales to Sep 2026 · CSO benchmark to Jul 2026 · rents Q4 2025 (RTB)
Who lives in Dunshaughlin: 76.6% own their home, full Census breakdown
Who lives in Dunshaughlin
6,644 people live in Dunshaughlin on Census 2022 night. 77% of households own their home and 19% rent, so Dunshaughlin leans towards owner occupiers. The most common way to commute is by car (63%). It skews young: 24% are under 15 against 8% aged 65 and over. 55% of those who have finished education hold a third level qualification.
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Population (2022) | 6,644 |
| Owner-occupied households | 77% |
| Rented households | 19% |
| Aged under 15 | 24% |
| Aged 25 to 44 | 35% |
| Aged 65 and over | 8% |
| Third level or higher | 55% |
| At work (aged 15+) | 67% |
| Unemployment rate | 4% |
| Commute by car | 63% |
| Commute by public transport | 10% |
| Commute on foot or bike | 22% |
Source: CSO Census 2022 Small Area Population Statistics for the Dunshaughlin built-up area, CC-BY 4.0.
Commuting to Dublin
Nearest train station: M3 Parkway (9.8 km away), on the Maynooth line
Public transport serving Dunshaughlin: 4 operators
Getting around Dunshaughlin
Dunshaughlin is served by 4 public-transport operators running 8 scheduled routes. Operators are Bus Éireann, McCaffrey Coaches, Sillan Tours and Streamline Coaches.
| Operator | Mode |
|---|---|
| Bus Éireann | Bus / coach |
| McCaffrey Coaches | Bus / coach |
| Sillan Tours | Bus / coach |
| Streamline Coaches | Bus / coach |
Scheduled routes
- 109 - Dublin - Navan - Kells - Cavan
- 111 - Wilton Tce - Trim - Granard - Cavan
- 179 - Coothill - Dublin City
- 109A - DCU - Airport - Ratoath - Navan
- 109B - Dublin - Dunshaughlin - Trim
- 111X - Dublin express - Athboy - Clonmellon
- DY01 - Kells - Dunboyne
- UM05 - Cavan - Maynooth University
Source: Transport for Ireland GTFS_All feed (NTA), CC-BY 4.0. Stops matched to the town within a 6 km radius; route list capped.
Schools in Dunshaughlin
There are 5 primary and 2 post-primary schools in and around Dunshaughlin.
| School | Level | Pupils | DEIS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community College Dunshaughlin | Post-primary | 1135 | |
| S N Seachnaill Naofa | Primary | 622 | |
| Scoil Na Rithe | Primary | 222 | |
| Coláiste Rioga | Post-primary | 193 | |
| Dunshaughlin Community National School | Primary | 168 | |
| S N Cul An Mhuilinn | Primary | 119 | |
| S N Rath Riagain | Primary | 92 |
Source: Department of Education, Data on Individual Schools. CC-BY 4.0.
Things to do in and around Dunshaughlin
- Heritage nearby: Skreen Church (8 km) · Hill of Tara (9 km) · Bective Abbey (13 km) · Maynooth Castle (15 km)
- Walking trails in County Meath: Royal Canal Way · Royal Canal Greenway Walking Trail · Drewstown Woods - Girley Bog walk · Littlewood - Forest Walk
Where Dunshaughlin is
Map © OpenStreetMap contributors
What it costs: house prices and rent in Dunshaughlin
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Median sale price (12 mo) | €478,000 (+2.8% YoY) |
| Average monthly rent (Q4 2025) | €1,891 |
| Gross rental yield | 4.7% |
| Net yield (est.) | 3.7% |
| Meath county median | €450k |
| New build / second-hand | €475,000 / €510,000 |
What this means: New builds in Dunshaughlin sell at about a 7% discount to second-hand homes (€475,000 vs €510,000).
Recent sales in Dunshaughlin
| Date | Address | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Sep 26 | 16 Grange Park Drive, Grange Park, Dunshaughlin | New | €497,797 |
| 21 Sep 26 | 123 GRANGE HALL DUNSHAUGHLIN, DUNSHAUGHLIN, MEATH | Second-hand | €335,000 |
| 16 Sep 26 | 80 FAIRFIELD, DUNSHAUGHLIN, MEATH | Second-hand | €478,500 |
| 08 Sep 26 | 6 Oak Drive, The Willows, Dunshaughlin | New | €458,150 |
| 07 Sep 26 | 8 Oak Drive, The Willows, Dunshaughlin | New | €440,529 |
| 07 Sep 26 | REASK, DUNSHAUGHLIN, MEATH | Second-hand | €511,000 |
| 04 Sep 26 | 7 Oak Drive, The Willows, Dunshaughlin | New | €440,529 |
| 04 Sep 26 | RIO GRANDE, MACETOWN, DUNSHAUGHLIN | Second-hand | €550,000 |
Actual sale prices from the Property Price Register, verifiable at propertypriceregister.ie.
Dunshaughlin median price, year by year
| Year | Median | Relative | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | €415,000 | 125 sales | |
| 2024 | €464,999 | 169 sales | |
| 2025 | €465,000 | 259 sales | |
| 2026 | €490,000 | 110 sales |
Average rent by size (Q4 2025)
| 1-bed | 2-bed | 3-bed | 4+ bed |
|---|---|---|---|
| n/a | €1,751 | n/a | n/a |
Maximum legal rent increase in Dunshaughlin
Since 1 March 2026 a rent review is capped at the lower of 2% a year (pro rata) or CPI inflation.
The full March 2026 rent review rules
Dunshaughlin compared with County Meath
| County | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|
| Dunshaughlin | 478000 | |
| County Meath median | 450000 |
Rent or buy in Dunshaughlin?
At a glance: €478,000 to buy versus €1,891 a month to rent (RTB Q4 2025), a 4.7% gross yield.
Local Property Tax in Dunshaughlin
The median home (€478,000) falls in LPT Band 4, a base charge of €428 a year before Meath County Council's local adjustment factor. Use the calculator for your exact valuation.
Renting in Dunshaughlin: the March 2026 rent rules
Every rent increase is now capped at the lesser of 2% a year (pro rata) or CPI inflation, nationwide since 1 March 2026. A review needs 90 days' notice on the RTB form, no more than one in any 12 months, and the notice must cite three comparable homes from the RTB Rent Register. Check any rent increase against the legal cap, or see average rents for every Leinster town.
Before you move: planning and flood
Recent development in Dunshaughlin
In the 12 months to September 2026, 68 planning grants were recorded in and around Dunshaughlin, including 106 new homes approved across those grants.
| Decided | Development | Homes |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-24 | a Large-Scale Residential Development - planning permission for a Large-scale Residential Development consisting of modifications to the Strategic... | 51 |
| 2026-02-10 | SASULA UNLIMITED COMPANY Intends to apply for Permission At a site circa 6.39 Ha, within Killeen Castle Demesne (a Protected Structure), Dunsany, Co... | 25 |
| 2026-02-23 | File Ref: RA201024 & 211161 - the construction of a new two storey detached dwelling including new entrance onto public road, proprietary waste water... | 2 |
| 2025-12-11 | REF 21163 - To construct part storey and a half, part single storey dwelling detached domestic garage, proprietary waste water treatment unit &... | 2 |
| 2026-03-18 | File Ref: 22943 - the development will consist of: 1. New dwelling and detached garage. 2. New domestic entrance. 3. Waste treatment system with... | 2 |
Source: Irish Planning Applications, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (ArcGIS, CC-BY 4.0). Granted applications keyed to the nearest town within 7 km. Homes column shows residential units in the application where recorded.
What this means: The 106 homes approved here in the last year are about 5% of Dunshaughlin's roughly 2,290 households, a supply pipeline that typically eases price pressure.
Flood maps
For the modelled fluvial, coastal and pluvial flood extents around Dunshaughlin, open the official OPW flood maps, the authoritative source for Dunshaughlin, Meath.
View the official OPW flood maps for Dunshaughlin →
Source: Office of Public Works, floodinfo.ie. No OPW flood-extent values are reproduced here.
County context
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Population (2022 Census) | 220,826 |
| Population change 2016 to 2022 | +13.2% |
| Disposable income per person (index, State = 100) | 98.4 |
| New dwelling permissions (Mid-East region, 2017) | 657 thousand m² |
Planning permissions are reported at NUTS3 region level; counties in this region share a figure.
Sources: CSO F1001, CIA02, BHQ09. CC-BY 4.0.
Nearby Meath towns
Dunboyne · Ashbourne · Ratoath · Clonee · Stamullen · Trim
All Meath house prices · All Leinster house prices
Sources: CSO Census 2022, Department of Education, Transport for Ireland, Property Price Register (PSRA), CSO RPPI, RTB via CSO. CC-BY. Figures verifiable at the official source.
Common questions about living in Dunshaughlin
What's it like to live in Dunshaughlin?
Dunshaughlin is a town in Co. Meath, about 30 minutes from Dublin city centre by car and on the rail line, 7 schools, 76.6% of households own their home (CSO Census 2022, Department of Education, Transport for Ireland).
How much does it cost to live in Dunshaughlin?
A home in Dunshaughlin costs a median €478,000 to buy or €1,891 a month to rent (RTB Q4 2025), a 4.7% gross yield (Property Price Register, RTB via CSO).
How long is the commute from Dunshaughlin to Dublin?
About 30 minutes to Dublin city centre by car and on the rail line, estimated.
What schools are in Dunshaughlin?
Schools in Dunshaughlin include Community College Dunshaughlin, S N Seachnaill Naofa, Scoil Na Rithe, Coláiste Rioga, among 5 primary and 2 post-primary in total (Department of Education, 2024/25).
What is the population of Dunshaughlin?
Dunshaughlin had a population of 6,644 at the 2022 Census (CSO).
Population and demographics
Dunshaughlin had a population of 6,644 at the 2022 Census.
| Population (2022 Census) | 6,644 |
|---|---|
| Households | 2,290 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 77% |
| Rented homes | 19% |
Source: CSO Census 2022 (CC BY 4.0). Household tenure from the same release.
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Each point is the median of that calendar year's open-market sales on the Property Price Register. 2026 is a part year, covering the 110 sales recorded to July 2026. Over the 12 months to 25 September 2026 the median was €478,000.
Could a home in Dunshaughlin pay as a buy-to-let?
Pre-filled with Dunshaughlin's median price and average rent (RTB Q4 2025). Change any figure and it recalculates instantly.
Illustrative. Assumes ~18% of rent for management, insurance and voids; 25-year mortgage on the borrowed share; ~4% acquisition costs. Not financial advice.
What can you afford to buy in Dunshaughlin?
Pre-filled with Dunshaughlin's median price. Adjust the income and deposit and it recalculates instantly.
Assumes 4x gross income for a first-time buyer or 3.5x otherwise, plus your deposit, with no minimum deposit applied (the Central Bank's 10% floor can cap the price lower; the affordability calculator applies it), and a 3.7% rate over 30 years unless you change them.
Central Bank of Ireland mortgage measures (since Jan 2023): first-time buyers can borrow up to 4x gross income, movers and second or subsequent buyers up to 3.5x, both with a minimum 10% deposit. Figures are illustrative, not financial advice.
Stamp duty on a Dunshaughlin property
Pre-filled with Dunshaughlin's median price. Change the purchase price, tick new build if it applies, and see your stamp duty and total cost instantly.
Irish residential stamp duty (rates in force since 2 October 2024): 1% on the first €1,000,000; 2% from €1,000,000 to €1,500,000; 6% on any amount above €1,500,000. New builds: duty is charged on the price net of 13.5% VAT. Figures are illustrative, not legal or financial advice.
Local Property Tax for a Dunshaughlin home
Pre-filled with Dunshaughlin's median price. Uses the 2026 Revenue valuation bands (valuation date: 1 November 2025) and your local authority's 2026 adjustment factor.
Revenue LPT 2026-2030 band table and Local Adjustment Factors (source: revenue.ie). Each local authority can vary the base charge by up to 15%. Figures are illustrative; verify at Revenue's LPT service for your exact property.
Rent cap calculator for Dunshaughlin
Pre-filled with Dunshaughlin's average rent (RTB). From 1 March 2026 all private tenancies in Ireland are covered by national rent control: for a standard tenancy the annual increase is capped at 2% or CPI inflation, whichever is lower. This computes the 2% leg as an illustrative cap.
No figure for this tenancy type: it follows CPI with no 2% cap and this widget holds no CPI series. Use the official RTB Rent Calculator.
Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2025; national rent control from 1 March 2026 (source: rtb.ie). Illustrative, not legal advice: if CPI is below 2% the lawful ceiling is lower, and the RTB Rent Calculator at rtb.ie is the official tool.
What a month in Dunshaughlin costs
Real figures for Dunshaughlin: RTB average rent and an ownership estimate built on the median sale price. Adjust the mortgage rate and deposit and it recalculates instantly.
Average rent by size: 2 bed €1,751
Rent: RTB average monthly rents (RIQ02), Q4 2025. Ownership: repayment mortgage on Dunshaughlin's median Property Price Register sale price over 30 years, plus Revenue's 2026 LPT band charge divided by 12. Excludes utilities, insurance, management fees and council LPT adjustments. Illustrative, not financial advice.
More on Dunshaughlin
- Dunshaughlin house prices: median, year trend and the latest sales recorded on the Property Price Register.
- Things to do in Dunshaughlin: attractions, heritage sites and walks nearby.
- What's on in Co. Meath: festivals, markets and gigs, grouped by week and refreshed every Monday.
- Planning applications in Co. Meath: what has been lodged, granted and refused in the last 12 months.
Weighing it against somewhere else? See Dunshaughlin vs Ratoath for a family, side by side on price, rent, yield and rail access.