HOW TO HIRE · EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

How to hire an ice cream van in Ireland
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.

An ice cream van in Ireland costs €200–€600 per event, typically around €350. 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.

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THE 60-SECOND VERSION

Hiring an ice cream van in five steps

  1. Are you a trader, and can I see that in writing?No register covers ice cream van work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — mobile Service — the convenience of an ice cream van is that it can travel to various locations, making it ideal for outdoor events, festivals, or community gatherings.
  2. How does duration of hire change the price?The longer the booking, the more it costs. — ask before the quote rather than after.
  3. How does number of guests change the price?A larger group needs more hands on the day. — ask before the quote rather than after.
  4. How does specific menu selections change the price?The specification is agreed before any work begins. — ask before the quote rather than after.
  5. What is not included?Most ice cream van services focus solely on ice cream and related treats — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a ice cream van 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 13.5%, the reduced 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 →

“Are you a trader, and can I see that in writing?”

A good answer: No register covers ice cream van work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — mobile Service — the convenience of an ice cream van is that it can travel to various locations, making it ideal for outdoor events, festivals, or community gatherings.

“How does duration of hire change the price?”

A good answer: The longer the booking, the more it costs. — ask before the quote rather than after.

“How does number of guests change the price?”

A good answer: A larger group needs more hands on the day. — ask before the quote rather than after.

“How does specific menu selections change the price?”

A good answer: The specification is agreed before any work begins. — ask before the quote rather than after.

“What is not included?”

A good answer: Most ice cream van services focus solely on ice cream and related treats — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a ice cream van job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.

“Who insures you, and what is the policy number?”

A good answer: Expect public liability, and employer's liability if they bring crew — themed Events — ice cream vans can be themed for specific events, such as birthday parties, weddings, or corporate functions.

“What do I get in writing, and when?”

A good answer: A written scope and a price before the ice cream van starts, and an itemised invoice after — toppings and Extras — customers can often customise their ice cream with a variety of toppings, such as sprinkles, nuts, chocolate sauce, and fresh fruit.

Getting the quote right

  • Duration of hire — the longer the booking, the more it costs.
  • Number of guests — a larger group needs more hands on the day.
  • Specific menu selections — the specification is agreed before any work begins.
  • Event size — size is the single number most quotes are built from.
  • 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: duration of hire — the longer the booking, the more it costs
  • They will not talk about it: number of guests — a larger group needs more hands on the day
  • They will not talk about it: specific menu selections — the specification is agreed before any work begins
  • A price for the ice cream van 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 ice cream van has begun
LOW
€200
TYPICAL
€350
HIGH
€600

What an ice cream van costs: €200–€600 per event

The figures are for the job, per event, and a quote for your own is the only number that binds anyone. Birthday party ice cream van and Wedding ice cream van each carry their own band. Ice Cream Van 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

Ice cream vans 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.

  1. Look firstDuration of hire — the longer the booking, the more it costs — that is what the ice cream van is judging on the first visit, and a price given without it is a guess.
  2. Agree what is being doneNumber of guests — a larger group needs more hands on the day — put in writing before anyone starts, because it is the document you both read back at the end.
  3. The work itselfSpecific menu selections — the specification is agreed before any work begins — and anything found on the day that was not in that is priced before it is started.
  4. Check it togetherEvent size — size is the single number most quotes are built from — walked against the written scope rather than against the feeling of it, while the ice cream van is still there.
  5. What you are handedThe itemised invoice and any guarantee on the workmanship and the parts, travel distance — the distance is worked out before the quote is given.

Variety of Flavours
Ice cream vans typically offer a wide selection of flavours, ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to unique options like bubblegum and mint choc chip.
Toppings and Extras
Customers can often customise their ice cream with a variety of toppings, such as sprinkles, nuts, chocolate sauce, and fresh fruit.
Themed Events
Ice cream vans can be themed for specific events, such as birthday parties, weddings, or corporate functions.
Mobile Service
The convenience of an ice cream van is that it can travel to various locations, making it ideal for outdoor events, festivals, or community gatherings.
Birthday Party Ice Cream Van
This service provides a selection of ice creams and toppings for children's birthday parties, creating a fun and interactive dessert experience.
Corporate Event Ice Cream Van
This service caters to corporate functions, providing ice cream treats to enhance employee engagement and create a festive atmosphere.

AFTER

When the job is done

Keep the invoice and the paperworkAn itemised invoice with the trader's name, the work and the total — mobile Service — the convenience of an ice cream van is that it can travel to various locations, making it ideal for outdoor events, festivals, or community gatherings, because it is what a buyer's solicitor, an insurer or a lender asks for long after the ice cream van has gone.
Test what was doneThemed Events — ice cream vans can be themed for specific events, such as birthday parties, weddings, or corporate functions — and something that does not work on the day is theirs to put right there and then.
Ask what the guarantee isOn the workmanship and on the parts, and for how long each one runs — they are usually different. toppings and Extras — customers can often customise their ice cream with a variety of toppings, such as sprinkles, nuts, chocolate sauce, and fresh fruit — under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 what was agreed is what can be relied on.
Leave the reviewOnly a booked job can be reviewed on Locufy, which is why the score on a ice cream van's card means something — variety of Flavours — ice cream vans typically offer a wide selection of flavours, ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to unique options like bubblegum and mint choc chip.

STEP 1Say it in writing, firstSay what is wrong and what you want done. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 the work must be carried out with reasonable skill and care, and defective work put right.
STEP 2Use the make-it-right step on LocufyUnder four stars you are asked whether to send it to the provider first; we follow it through. Then review.
STEP 3Escalate to the body that regulates itThere is no register, so the route is the consumer body and, if needed, the courts.
STEP 4Small claimsSmall claims covers €2,000, once you have asked in writing and given them a chance to put it right.

Hiring an ice cream van: questions people ask

The cost can vary based on factors such as the duration of hire, the number of guests, and the specific menu selections. Additional features like custom branding or special flavours may also increase the overall price.

Ice cream vans can typically be hired for a few hours up to a full day, depending on your event needs. Most providers offer flexible packages to accommodate various event durations.

Same-day availability may vary by vendor, so it's best to check in advance. While many ice cream vans can accommodate last-minute requests, popular vendors may require more notice due to high demand.

Yes, many ice cream van providers offer packages that can include additional services, such as catering or entertainment. Booking multiple services can often lead to discounts and a more comprehensive event experience.

Most ice cream van services focus solely on ice cream and related treats. Additional items such as tables, chairs, or decorations may not be included, so it's advisable to clarify what is covered in your booking.

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

More hiring guides in events & entertainment

How to hire: Wedding DJHow to hire: Party DJHow to hire: Mobile DiscoHow to hire: Live BandHow to hire: Solo MusicianHow to hire: Acoustic DuoHow to hire: String QuartetHow to hire: Wedding SingerAll 701 hiring guides →

Ice cream vans near you

Ice cream vans in DublinIce cream vans in CorkIce cream vans in GalwayIce cream vans in LimerickAll ice cream vans on Locufy →

Sources — checked October 2026

  1. CCPC — your rights when you buy a service
  2. Consumer Rights Act 2022
  3. Courts Service — small claims
  4. Revenue — MOTOR VEHICLES - REPAIRS (Certain repair and related services) — Reduced rate
  5. Revenue — current VAT rates (effective 1 January 2026)
  6. Revenue — VAT thresholds: €42,500 for a person supplying services only