Living in Rathnew, Co. Wicklow: Schools, Commute & House Prices 2026
On this page
- Who lives in Rathnew
- Commuting to Dublin
- Getting around Rathnew
- Schools in Rathnew
- Things to do in and around Rathnew
- Where Rathnew is
- What it costs: house prices and rent in Rathnew
- Before you move: planning and flood
- Recent development in Rathnew
- Flood maps
- County context
- Common questions about living in Rathnew
- Nearby Wicklow towns
- Population and demographics
Is Rathnew a nice place to live?
Rathnew is home to about 1,143 households, 52% owner-occupied and 44% renting, according to Census 2022. The median sale price over the last 12 months was €405,000, versus €512,500 across the Mid-East region. The Department of Education dataset lists 6 schools keyed to the town (5 primary, 1 post-primary), and there are 19 visitor attractions within 10 km. The nearest rail station is Wicklow, 2.1 km away, and 7 bus and rail routes serve the town. The sections below break each of these down.
Rathnew is a town in Co. Wicklow, about 43 minutes from Dublin city centre by car and on the rail line, 6 schools, 52.4% of households own their home. Living here costs a median €405,000 to buy.
Official CSO, Department of Education, Transport for Ireland, PPR & RTB data · 93 sales · PPR sales to Sep 2026 · CSO benchmark to Jul 2026 · rents Q4 2025 (RTB)
Who lives in Rathnew: 52.4% own their home, full Census breakdown
Who lives in Rathnew
3,482 people live in Rathnew on Census 2022 night. 52% of households own their home and 44% rent, so Rathnew leans towards owner occupiers. The most common way to commute is by car (69%). It skews young: 28% are under 15 against 7% aged 65 and over. 26% of those who have finished education hold a third level qualification.
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Population (2022) | 3,482 |
| Owner-occupied households | 52% |
| Rented households | 44% |
| Aged under 15 | 28% |
| Aged 25 to 44 | 31% |
| Aged 65 and over | 7% |
| Third level or higher | 26% |
| At work (aged 15+) | 55% |
| Unemployment rate | 11% |
| Commute by car | 69% |
| Commute by public transport | 7% |
| Commute on foot or bike | 18% |
Source: CSO Census 2022 Small Area Population Statistics for the Rathnew built-up area, CC-BY 4.0.
Commuting to Dublin
Nearest train station: Wicklow (2.1 km away), on the Rosslare line
Public transport serving Rathnew: 4 operators
Getting around Rathnew
Rathnew is served by 4 public-transport operators running 7 scheduled routes. Operators are BIFE Bus, Bus Éireann, TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow and Wexford Bus.
| Operator | Mode |
|---|---|
| BIFE Bus | Bus / coach |
| Bus Éireann | Bus / coach |
| TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow | Bus / coach |
| Wexford Bus | Bus / coach |
Scheduled routes
- 131 - Bray - Wicklow
- 133 - Dublin - Wicklow
- 183 - Arklow - Glendalough
- 740 - Wexford - Dublin Airport
- 740A - Gorey - Dublin Airport
- BR01 - Gorey - Bray
- UM11 - Gorey - Wicklow - Maynooth
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 Rathnew
There are 5 primary and 1 post-primary schools in and around Rathnew, 3 of them in the DEIS programme.
| School | Level | Pupils | DEIS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coláiste Chill Mhantáin | Post-primary | 933 | DEIS |
| St Coen'S National School | Primary | 328 | DEIS |
| Scoil Na Coróine Mhuire | Primary | 309 | |
| Gaelscoil Chill Mhantáin | Primary | 285 | |
| Nuns Cross N S | Primary | 194 | |
| Glenealy 1 N S | Primary | 116 | DEIS |
Source: Department of Education, Data on Individual Schools. CC-BY 4.0.
Things to do in and around Rathnew
- Heritage nearby: Glendalough (16 km) · Tully Church (28 km) · Kilmashogue Megalithic Tomb (32 km) · The Dwyer McAllister Cottage (33 km)
- Walking trails in County Wicklow: Wicklow Way · Arklow Loops Glenart Walk · Arklow Loops Kynoch Walk · Arklow Loops Love Lane Walk
- Nature reserves: Wicklow Mountains National Park · Glendalough Nature Reserve · Glenealo Valley Nature Reserve
Where Rathnew is
Map © OpenStreetMap contributors
What it costs: house prices and rent in Rathnew
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Median sale price (12 mo) | €405,000 (+2.5% YoY) |
| Average monthly rent | n/a |
| Gross rental yield | n/a |
| Net yield (est.) | n/a |
| Wicklow county median | €512k |
| New build / second-hand | €415,000 / €393,000 |
What this means: New builds in Rathnew sell at about a 6% premium to second-hand homes (€415,000 vs €393,000).
Recent sales in Rathnew
| Date | Address | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Sep 26 | 80 SAUNDERS LANE, RATHNEW, WICKLOW | Second-hand | €450,000 |
| 28 Aug 26 | 39 VARTRY CLOSE, TINAKILLY PARK, RATHNEW | Second-hand | €520,000 |
| 18 Aug 26 | MERRYMEETING COTTAGES, LOWER RD, RATHNEW | Second-hand | €405,000 |
| 17 Aug 26 | 13 Brookfield Park, Rathnew, County Wicklow | New | €317,180 |
| 11 Aug 26 | 24 MERRYMETTING, RATHNEW, WICKLOW | Second-hand | €360,000 |
| 07 Jul 26 | 59 THE OAKS, KEATINGSTOWN RD, RATHNEW | Second-hand | €343,000 |
| 11 Jun 26 | BALLYNABARNEY, RATHNEW, WICKLOW | Second-hand | €542,000 |
| 04 Jun 26 | 53 The Drive, Hawks Bay, Rathnew | New | €378,854 |
Actual sale prices from the Property Price Register, verifiable at propertypriceregister.ie.
Rathnew median price, year by year
| Year | Median | Relative | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | €430,000 | 157 sales | |
| 2024 | €430,000 | 178 sales | |
| 2025 | €395,000 | 231 sales | |
| 2026 | €412,500 | 20 sales |
Maximum legal rent increase in Rathnew
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
Rathnew compared with County Wicklow
| County | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|
| County Wicklow median | 512000 | |
| Rathnew | 405000 |
Local Property Tax in Rathnew
The median home (€405,000) falls in LPT Band 3, a base charge of €333 a year before Wicklow County Council's local adjustment factor. Use the calculator for your exact valuation.
Before you move: planning and flood
Recent development in Rathnew
In the 12 months to September 2026, 68 planning grants were recorded in and around Rathnew, including 154 new homes approved across those grants.
| Decided | Development | Homes |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-23 | construction of 87 No. residential units (20 No. 1-bed, 12 No. 2-bed, 50 No. 3-bed and 5 No. 4-bed) as houses and duplexes/maisonettes and a crèche... | 86 |
| 2026-04-07 | proposed housing development of 57 dwelling units consisting of 2 semi-detached three bedroom dwellings, 31 x three bedroom terraced dwellings, 4 x... | 38 |
| 2026-09-23 | demolition of existing dwelling on site, construction of 25 dwellings with associated private open space and car parking, as well as the provision of... | 24 |
| 2026-03-12 | new duplex block containing 4 No. residential units at Burkeen Dales, Hawkstown Road, Wicklow Co. Wicklow. The proposed development consists of a... | 4 |
| 2025-10-09 | Retention of single storey rear flat roof extension to dwelling and all associated site works. Dwelling was previously granted permission by An Bord... | 1 |
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 154 homes approved here in the last year are about 13% of Rathnew's roughly 1,143 households, a supply pipeline that typically eases price pressure.
Flood maps
For the modelled fluvial, coastal and pluvial flood extents around Rathnew, open the official OPW flood maps, the authoritative source for Rathnew, Wicklow.
View the official OPW flood maps for Rathnew →
Source: Office of Public Works, floodinfo.ie. No OPW flood-extent values are reproduced here.
County context
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Population (2022 Census) | 155,851 |
| Population change 2016 to 2022 | +9.4% |
| Disposable income per person (index, State = 100) | 100.7 |
| 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 Wicklow towns
Delgany · Greystones · Kilcoole · Newtownmountkennedy · Bray · Wicklow
All Wicklow 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 Rathnew
What's it like to live in Rathnew?
Rathnew is a town in Co. Wicklow, about 43 minutes from Dublin city centre by car and on the rail line, 6 schools, 52.4% of households own their home (CSO Census 2022, Department of Education, Transport for Ireland).
How much does it cost to live in Rathnew?
A home in Rathnew costs a median €405,000 to buy (Property Price Register, RTB via CSO).
How long is the commute from Rathnew to Dublin?
About 43 minutes to Dublin city centre by car and on the rail line, estimated.
What schools are in Rathnew?
Schools in Rathnew include Coláiste Chill Mhantáin, St Coen'S National School, Scoil Na Coróine Mhuire, Gaelscoil Chill Mhantáin, among 5 primary and 1 post-primary in total (Department of Education, 2024/25).
What is the population of Rathnew?
Rathnew had a population of 3,482 at the 2022 Census (CSO).
Population and demographics
Rathnew had a population of 3,482 at the 2022 Census.
| Population (2022 Census) | 3,482 |
|---|---|
| Households | 1,143 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 52% |
| Rented homes | 44% |
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 20 sales recorded to July 2026. Over the 12 months to 25 September 2026 the median was €405,000.
Could a home in Rathnew pay as a buy-to-let?
Pre-filled with Rathnew's median price. There's no RTB rent for Rathnew yet, so the monthly rent below is an estimate. Change it to a real 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 Rathnew?
Pre-filled with Rathnew'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 Rathnew property
Pre-filled with Rathnew'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 Rathnew home
Pre-filled with Rathnew'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 Rathnew
No RTB rental data for Rathnew yet, so this starts from a typical Leinster rent. From 1 March 2026 all private tenancies 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 Rathnew costs
Real figures for Rathnew: RTB average rent and an ownership estimate built on the median sale price. Adjust the mortgage rate and deposit and it recalculates instantly.
Rent: RTB average monthly rents (RIQ02). Ownership: repayment mortgage on Rathnew'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 Rathnew
- Rathnew house prices: median, year trend and the latest sales recorded on the Property Price Register.
- Things to do in Rathnew: attractions, heritage sites and walks nearby.
- What's on in Co. Wicklow: festivals, markets and gigs, grouped by week and refreshed every Monday.
- Planning applications in Co. Wicklow: what has been lodged, granted and refused in the last 12 months.