HOW TO HIRE · EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT · CHECKED OCTOBER 2026
How to hire a children's entertainer in Ireland
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.
A children's entertainer in Ireland costs €120–€350 per party, typically around €200. Here is how to check that in a minute, what to ask before you book, and what you must be handed when the job is done.
- Search and compare — no account needed
- Nearest to you first
- One score from Google, Trustpilot and Locufy reviews
THE 60-SECOND VERSION
Hiring a children's entertainer in five steps
- Are you a trader, and can I see that in writing?No register covers children's entertainer work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — storytelling Sessions — some children's entertainers incorporate storytelling into their performances, captivating kids with imaginative tales.
- How does entertainer's experience change the price?The more qualified the person, the higher the rate. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does length of the event change the price?A booked block of time costs less than the same hours spread out. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does specific activities included change the price?A plain finish and a decorative one are hours apart. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- What is not included?Games and Activities — interactive games and activities are a staple of children's entertainment, including classic games like musical chairs or scavenger hunts — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a children's entertainer job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Check before you book
No register applies
NO REGISTER APPLIES TO DJS, BANDS, MARQUEE HIRERS OR ENTERTAINERS. What exists instead is insurance that venues demand and music licensing that the VENUE normally holds through IMRO and PPI, not the performer.
Look for the trader badge and the ID-checked badge on the Locufy profile — both are checked by us, not claimed by the provider.
What to check instead
Public liability insurance at the level YOUR VENUE requires — ask the venue first, then the supplier, because the venue sets the number; For anything with a structure or a ride, the inspection or test certificate; A written contract with the date, the hours, the set-up time and the overtime rate; What happens if they are ill — a named arrangement, not reassurance; Whether they have played your venue before, and what the power and access are like; PAT testing on their equipment, which many venues ask to see.
Ask for each of these before you agree a price, and get the answers in the same message as the quote.
Insurance
Expect public liability, and employer's liability if they bring crew. From a company, ask for the insurer, the limit and the VAT number, and ask who actually attends: the team that turns up may be employed, subcontracted or both, and only one of those is supervised by the firm you are paying.
Ask to see the current certificate of insurance — the insurer's name, the limit and the date it runs to.
Trader or private seller
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 a trader must tell you they are a trader, and your consumer rights — work carried out with reasonable skill and care, and a cooling-off period on a contract agreed in your home or online — apply to traders and not to private sellers. On Locufy the trader status is shown on the profile.
Look for the trader badge on the Locufy profile, and ask anyone else for it in writing before you agree a price.
VAT
VAT at 23%, the standard rate Revenue publishes for this service. Ask whether the price you were given includes it. A trader under the €42,500 registration threshold does not charge it; one over it must, and must show it separately.
Ask whether the figure you were given includes it, and for the VAT number if they are registered — Revenue publishes the rate for this service. revenue.ie →
A good answer: No register covers children's entertainer work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — storytelling Sessions — some children's entertainers incorporate storytelling into their performances, captivating kids with imaginative tales.
A good answer: The more qualified the person, the higher the rate. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: A booked block of time costs less than the same hours spread out. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: A plain finish and a decorative one are hours apart. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Games and Activities — interactive games and activities are a staple of children's entertainment, including classic games like musical chairs or scavenger hunts — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a children's entertainer job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
A good answer: Expect public liability, and employer's liability if they bring crew — face Painting — many entertainers offer face painting as part of their service, transforming children into their favourite characters or animals.
A good answer: A written scope and a price before the children's entertainer starts, and an itemised invoice after — magic Shows — children's entertainers often include magic shows, which can feature simple tricks that delight young audiences.
Getting the quote right
- Entertainer's experience — the more qualified the person, the higher the rate.
- Length of the event — a booked block of time costs less than the same hours spread out.
- Specific activities included — a plain finish and a decorative one are hours apart.
- Duration of the performance — an extra hour on the day is usually charged at the same rate.
- In writing before anyone starts — a message on Locufy counts
- What is NOT included, named
- Who actually attends, and whether they are employed or subcontracted
- The VAT number, and whether it checks out on the Revenue register
Walk away if
- They will not talk about it: entertainer's experience — the more qualified the person, the higher the rate
- They will not talk about it: length of the event — a booked block of time costs less than the same hours spread out
- They will not talk about it: specific activities included — a plain finish and a decorative one are hours apart
- A price for the children's entertainer before anyone has asked the size, the access or the condition of what they are working on
- Cash only, or a large deposit before anything at all has started
- No written quote, or one that moves once the children's entertainer has begun
What a children's entertainer costs: €120–€350 per party
The figures are for the job, per party, and a quote for your own is the only number that binds anyone. Magician and Puppet show performer each carry their own band. Children's Entertainer price guide →
Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR? NOW FIND ONE
Children's entertainers near you, with the badges that matter shown
ID checked, trader status and one score from every review — on the card, before you message anyone. Nearest first. No account needed to look.
Or post the job free and let them come to you.
- Look firstEntertainer's experience — the more qualified the person, the higher the rate — that is what the children's entertainer is judging on the first visit, and a price given without it is a guess.
- Agree what is being doneLength of the event — a booked block of time costs less than the same hours spread out — put in writing before anyone starts, because it is the document you both read back at the end.
- The work itselfSpecific activities included — a plain finish and a decorative one are hours apart — and anything found on the day that was not in that is priced before it is started.
- Check it togetherDuration of the performance — an extra hour on the day is usually charged at the same rate — walked against the written scope rather than against the feeling of it, while the children's entertainer is still there.
- What you are handedThe itemised invoice and any guarantee on the workmanship and the parts, travel distance involved — the journey is paid for whether the job takes an hour or a day.
- Magic Shows
- Children's entertainers often include magic shows, which can feature simple tricks that delight young audiences.
- Face Painting
- Many entertainers offer face painting as part of their service, transforming children into their favourite characters or animals.
- Games and Activities
- Interactive games and activities are a staple of children's entertainment, including classic games like musical chairs or scavenger hunts.
- Storytelling Sessions
- Some children's entertainers incorporate storytelling into their performances, captivating kids with imaginative tales.
- Magician
- A magician performs tricks and illusions that captivate children's imaginations, often involving audience participation.
- Puppet Show Performer
- This entertainer uses puppets to tell stories and engage children, often incorporating humour and interactive elements.
AFTER
When the job is done
Hiring a children's entertainer: questions people ask
The cost can vary based on the entertainer's experience, the length of the event, and the specific activities included. Additional factors like travel distance and equipment needs may also affect the overall price.
Most children's entertainment services last between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the event's schedule and the activities planned. Longer sessions may be available for larger parties or special events.
Same-day bookings can be challenging, as many entertainers are booked in advance. However, some may offer last-minute availability, so it's worth checking with local entertainers if you're in need of immediate services.
Yes, many children's entertainers offer packages that include multiple services such as face painting, balloon modelling, and games. Booking these services together can often result in a more cohesive and enjoyable experience for the children.
Children's entertainers usually do not provide food, venue decoration, or extensive equipment setup. Their focus is primarily on entertainment activities, so it's advisable to arrange additional services separately.
NO REGISTER APPLIES TO DJS, BANDS, MARQUEE HIRERS OR ENTERTAINERS. What exists instead is insurance that venues demand and music licensing that the VENUE normally holds through IMRO and PPI, not the performer.
MORE GUIDES