Based on current data and trends, the following provides a thorough summary of childcare expenses in Ireland, including those for nannies, childminders, babysitters, and creche facilities (2024):
1. Daycare centres and crèches
In Ireland, creche is the most structured and regulated type of daycare. The location, the child’s age, and the number of hours of care all affect the cost.
Average monthly expenses:
Five days a week, full-time care costs between €800 and €1,400 a month; the cost is higher in cities like Dublin.
Three days a week of part-time care costs between €500 and €900 a month.
Due to increased staff-to-child ratios, infants (under one year old) might cost up to €1,200+ per month.
Assistance:
For children ages 2 years and 8 months to 5.5 years, the ECCE Scheme offers free three hours per day, five days a week, saving around €2,000 to €3,000 per year.
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) offers income-based payments for each child up to €5,100 annually.
Disparities by Region:
Dublin: full-time care costs between €1,000 and €1,600 a month.
Galway/Cork: €750–€1,200 per month.
Monthly cost in rural areas: €600–€1,000.
2. Home-Based Care Childminders
Children are looked after by childminders in their own homes. Depending on location and qualifications, rates are frequently less than those of creches.
Average Weekly Expenses:
Full-time: €150–€250 per week (40–50 hours).
Weekly part-time pay: €100 to €180.
After-school care costs between €70 and €120 per week and covers supervision, meals, and pickup.
Important Points:
Tusla-approved registered childminders may have higher fees, but they also let parents to apply for NCS subsidies.
Although they are less expensive, unregistered childminders are not eligible for subsidies.
3. Child care providers
Usually, babysitters are employed for sporadic weekend or nighttime care.
Hourly Prices:
Hourly rate: €12 to €15.
Weekend and late-night rates: €15–€20 per hour.
Experience and credentials: The hourly rate for certified babysitters (such as those with first aid training) might reach €20.
Platforms: Rates and profiles are listed on websites such as Babysitters.ie and MindMe.ie.
4. Nannies
Whether they live in or out of the child’s household, nannies offer individualised care.
Nannies who live out:
Hourly: €14 to €20.
40 hours a week, full-time: €600–€1,000 per week (€2,400–€4,000 per month).
Nannies who live in:
Room and board are required; however the hourly wages are lower (€12–€15/hour).
Average pay per month: €1,200 to €1,800 plus housing.
Agency Charges: The placement fees charged by nanny companies range from €500 to €2,000.
5. Extra Expenses and Factors
Registration Fees: A typical upfront fee for childcare is between €50 and €200.
Pickup Time: €5 to €15 each additional hour.
Some crèches provide meals and nappies, while others charge €20 to €50 per week.
Tax Relief: Through Revenue’s Tax Relief for Childcare, parents can receive up to 20% of their childcare expenses back (up to €1,200 annually).
Government Support National Childcare Scheme (NCS): For children under 15, subsidies can total up to €5,100 annually.
Scheme for Affordable Childcare (ACS): For low-income households, full-time care costs up to €95 per week.
Examples of Regional Prices
Regional Price Examples
| Location | Crèche (Monthly) | Childminder (Weekly) | Nanny (Hourly) |
| Dublin City | €1,200–€1,600 | €200–€300 | €16–€20 |
| Cork/Galway | €900–€1,300 | €180–€250 | €14–€18 |
| Rural Ireland | €600–€1,000 | €150–€200 | €12–€15 |
Important Takeaways
Although they provide structured care and subsidies, creches are the costliest.
Although they are less regulated, childminders are less expensive for full-time care.
Although they offer flexibility, full-time nannies are expensive.
To estimate subsidies, use the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) calculator: NCS Calculator.
Use resources like Childcare.ie or Tusla’s directory of Registered Childminders to find the most accurate rates or get in touch with nearby providers