What is the population of Dublin?
Dublin's metropolitan area has about 1,263,000 people, making it the 134th largest metro area in our dataset of 140 major cities.
In Ireland · Also known as The Fair City, Baile Átha Cliath (Irish name)
Metro population
1,263,000
0.015% of world population
Archive estimateAnnual growth
+1.05%
About 36 people a day
Archive estimateDensity
3,972/km²
318 km² metro area
City proper
1,024,027
Within the administrative boundary
GeoNamesAbout Dublin
Dublin is the capital of Ireland, with 550,000 residents and 1.4 million in the metro area. A city of literary giants (Joyce, Yeats, Beckett), Georgian architecture, and legendary pubs, Dublin has transformed into a European tech hub hosting headquarters of Google, Facebook, Apple, and more. The city blends rich cultural heritage with modern prosperity.
Key Facts
Airports
Scheduled-service airports within 100 km, nearest first.
- Dublin AirportDUB
11 km from the city centre
Source: OurAirports, matched by distance.
History
Dublin was founded by Vikings around 841 CE. It became capital under English/British rule. The 1916 Easter Rising led to Irish independence (1922). Dublin was culturally and economically quiet for decades. EU membership (1973) and the Celtic Tiger boom (1990s-2008) transformed the city. Recovery from the 2008 crash restored growth.
Economy
Dublin is Ireland's economic engine, generating about 50% of national GDP. Major tech companies (Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft) have European headquarters here, attracted by low corporate tax, English language, and EU access. Pharma, finance, and professional services are major sectors. The tech presence has made Dublin extremely expensive.
Culture
Dublin's culture is literary, musical, and pub-centric. Four Nobel laureates in literature (Yeats, Shaw, Beckett, Heaney). Traditional Irish music (trad) fills pubs. Guinness is synonymous with Dublin. Georgian architecture defines areas like Merrion Square. Temple Bar is the nightlife center. The GAA (Gaelic games) inspires passion. Dubliners are known for wit and warmth.
Transportation
Dublin has DART commuter rail, Luas tram, and extensive buses. Dublin Airport is Ireland's main hub. No metro (long-planned). Traffic congestion is significant. The city center is walkable. Cycling is growing. Trains connect to Belfast and other Irish cities.
Current Challenges
Dublin faces a severe housing crisis—highest rents in Europe, homelessness at record levels, and construction not keeping pace. Tech industry concentration creates inequality. Traffic congestion is chronic without a metro. Cost of living has made the city unaffordable for many. Healthcare system strains.
Highlights
Landmarks & Attractions
- Trinity College and Book of Kells
- Guinness Storehouse
- Temple Bar district
- St. Patrick's Cathedral
- Dublin Castle
- Phoenix Park (largest urban park in Europe)
- Georgian Dublin
- GPO (1916 Rising site)
- Ha'penny Bridge
What Dublin Is Known For
- Guinness
- Literature
- Pubs
- Tech headquarters
- Georgian architecture
- Music
Universities
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Dublin
- Dublin City University
Sports Teams
- Dublin GAA
- Bohemian FC
- Shamrock Rovers (football)
Interesting Facts
- Dublin has the most pubs per capita of any European capital
- Guinness has been brewed in Dublin since 1759
- Phoenix Park is twice the size of Central Park
- Bram Stoker (Dracula) and Oscar Wilde were Dubliners
- The Temple Bar area was almost demolished for a bus station
- Dublin is one of the youngest cities in Europe—average age under 30
Compared with the World's Largest Cities
Metropolitan population against the fifteen largest metro areas.
| Name | Metro population |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | 37.4M |
| Delhi | 32.9M |
| Shanghai | 29.2M |
| São Paulo | 22.6M |
| Dhaka | 22.5M |
| Mexico City | 22.3M |
| Cairo | 22.2M |
| Mumbai | 21.7M |
| Beijing | 21.5M |
| Osaka | 19M |
| New York | 18.9M |
| Karachi | 17.1M |
| Kinshasa | 17.1M |
| Chongqing | 16.9M |
| Lagos | 15.9M |
| Dublin | 1.26M |
Population Trend in Ireland
No free source publishes metropolitan population back to 1950, so the parent country's series is shown instead.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 2,912,654 |
| 1960 | 2,827,689 |
| 1970 | 2,961,403 |
| 1980 | 3,415,240 |
| 1990 | 3,514,018 |
| 2000 | 3,802,585 |
| 2010 | 4,559,080 |
| 2020 | 4,982,606 |
| 2030 | 5,525,093 |
| 2040 | 5,817,570 |
| 2050 | 5,970,042 |
| 2060 | 5,933,916 |
| 2070 | 5,791,493 |
| 2080 | 5,633,971 |
| 2090 | 5,493,730 |
| 2100 | 5,286,120 |
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities in our dataset by great-circle distance.
- Manchester
266 km · United Kingdom
- Birmingham
307 km · United Kingdom
- London
462 km · United Kingdom
- Amsterdam
755 km · Netherlands
- Brussels
774 km · Belgium
- Paris
779 km · France
Dublin Population FAQ
What is the difference between Dublin's city and metro population?
About 1,024,027 people live within the city proper, while the wider metropolitan area holds roughly 1,263,000. Metro figures include surrounding commuter areas that fall outside the city's administrative boundary.
Is Dublin growing or shrinking?
Dublin is growing at +1.05% a year.
What share of Ireland's population lives in Dublin?
Dublin's metro area holds about 23.0% of Ireland's total population.
How densely populated is Dublin?
Dublin has roughly 3,972 people per km² across a metro area of about 318 km².
Which airports serve Dublin?
The nearest major airports are Dublin Airport (DUB).
Which country is Dublin in?
Dublin is in Ireland, in Europe.
Explore More Cities
- #1 TokyoJapan · 37.4M · −0.14%
- #2 DelhiIndia · 32.9M · +2.78%
- #3 ShanghaiChina · 29.2M · +0.86%
- #4 São PauloBrazil · 22.6M · +0.75%
- #5 DhakaBangladesh · 22.5M · +2.89%
- #6 Mexico CityMexico · 22.3M · +0.80%