HOW TO HIRE · CHILDCARE & FAMILY · CHECKED OCTOBER 2026
How to hire a nanny in Ireland
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.
A nanny in Ireland costs €15–€25 per hour, typically around €18. 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 nanny in five steps
- Are you on the Tusla register of childminding services, and what is your number?A number you can look up yourself before you agree a price — household Support — in addition to childcare, nannies may assist with light household chores, such as laundry or tidying up play areas, to help maintain a clean and organised environment for the children.
- How does specific duties required change the price?The standard you ask for decides how long it takes to reach. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does number of children change the price?Each one still has to be done properly, however many there are. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does their ages change the price?Age brings small faults that each take a few minutes. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- What is not included?Meal Preparation — many nannies prepare healthy meals and snacks for the children they care for — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a nanny job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Check before you book
Tusla Early Years Inspectorate — childminding registration
The childminding regulations apply only to a childminder caring for children in the CHILDMINDER'S OWN HOME.
Search the Tusla register of childminding services for the name or the registration number before you agree a price. tusla.ie →
Where the rules stand now
A childminder caring for 3 or fewer pre-school children, and 6 or fewer children in total, remains exempt for the transitional period. Registration becomes mandatory from September 2027. Registration is not yet mandatory for every childminder. Ask whether this childminder is registered, and if not, whether they fall inside the transitional exemption — both answers are legitimate in 2026.
Ask where they are in the process, and when they expect to be registered — the date is September 2027 either way. tusla.ie →
Garda vetting
National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012–2016 The regulation requiring vetting of household members aged 16 and over commenced on 1 February 2025. Vetting is carried out through a relevant organisation, not by a parent directly. Ask to see the disclosure the childminder holds.
Ask to see the garda vetting letter itself, with its date on it — not a statement that one exists.
Insurance
Expect public liability covering minding in the home; ask to see it. You are booking an individual for a set number of hours, so ask whether the ID has been checked and what the rating is from people who booked the same way — there is no company behind them to carry either.
Ask to see the current certificate of insurance — the insurer's name, the limit and the date it runs to.
VAT
No VAT: this service is exempt, so there is none to add and none to reclaim. A quote that adds it is wrong. An individual working under the €42,500 registration threshold does not charge VAT at all, and does not have a VAT number to give you.
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: A number you can look up yourself before you agree a price — household Support — in addition to childcare, nannies may assist with light household chores, such as laundry or tidying up play areas, to help maintain a clean and organised environment for the children.
A good answer: The standard you ask for decides how long it takes to reach. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Each one still has to be done properly, however many there are. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Age brings small faults that each take a few minutes. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Meal Preparation — many nannies prepare healthy meals and snacks for the children they care for — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a nanny job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
A good answer: Expect public liability covering minding in the home; ask to see it — childcare Activities — nannies often engage children in creative play, educational activities, and outdoor adventures.
A good answer: A written scope and a price before the nanny starts, and an itemised invoice after — live-In Nanny — resides in the family home, providing around-the-clock care and support for the children.
Booking by the hour
- The rate per hour, and whether it changes in the evening or at a weekend
- The minimum booking, and what happens if the job finishes early
- What they bring and what you supply
- Whether the ID has been checked, and the rating from people who booked the same way
- Insurance, where the work can damage something or somebody
- The hours and the list of what is to be done, agreed before the first one
Walk away if
- They are not on the Tusla register of childminding services, or the number does not resolve to the name on the quote
- They will not talk about it: specific duties required — the standard you ask for decides how long it takes to reach
- They will not talk about it: number of children — each one still has to be done properly, however many there are
- They will not talk about it: their ages — age brings small faults that each take a few minutes
- A price for the nanny 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
What a nanny costs: €15–€25 per hour
Most nannys quote the job rather than the hour; the hourly rate is what the small jobs are priced from. Full-time nanny and Part-time nanny each carry their own band. Nanny 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
Nannys 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, or book by the hour.
- Look firstSpecific duties required — the standard you ask for decides how long it takes to reach — that is what the nanny is judging on the first visit, and a price given without it is a guess.
- Agree what is being doneNumber of children — each one still has to be done properly, however many there are — put in writing before anyone starts, because it is the document you both read back at the end.
- The work itselfTheir ages — age brings small faults that each take a few minutes — and anything found on the day that was not in that is priced before it is started.
- Check it togetherNanny's qualifications — years on the job are part of what you are paying for — walked against the written scope rather than against the feeling of it, while the nanny is still there.
- What you are handedThe itemised invoice and any guarantee on the workmanship and the parts, look for nannies with relevant qualifications, such as childcare certifications or first aid training.
- Childcare Activities
- Nannies often engage children in creative play, educational activities, and outdoor adventures.
- Meal Preparation
- Many nannies prepare healthy meals and snacks for the children they care for.
- Household Support
- In addition to childcare, nannies may assist with light household chores, such as laundry or tidying up play areas, to help maintain a clean and organised environment for the children.
- Full-Time Nanny
- Provides continuous care for children, typically during weekdays, managing daily routines and activities.
- Part-Time Nanny
- Offers childcare services for a few hours each day or week, ideal for families needing flexible support.
- Nanny Share
- Two or more families share a nanny, allowing for cost-effective childcare while providing social interaction for the children.
AFTER
When the job is done
Hiring a nanny: questions people ask
The cost of hiring a nanny can vary based on experience, qualifications, location, and the specific duties required. For example, nannies with special certifications or extensive experience may charge higher rates.
Whether you need a qualified specialist depends on your children's specific needs. General nannies can handle most childcare tasks, but for special needs or medical requirements, hiring a qualified professional is advisable.
Many nannies may offer emergency or same-day availability, but this can depend on their current schedules. It's best to check in advance, especially during busy periods.
Yes, some nannies offer additional services like housekeeping or tutoring. Discussing your specific needs upfront can help in arranging a comprehensive care plan.
Nannies generally focus on childcare and may not handle tasks outside their expertise, such as deep cleaning or specialised educational tutoring. It's important to clarify roles and expectations before hiring.
Search the name or the registration number. If the number does not resolve to the name on the quote, stop there.
MORE GUIDES
More hiring guides in childcare & family
Nannys near you
Sources — checked October 2026
- Tusla — childminding registration opened 30 September 2024
- Tusla — childminding services FAQs
- Department of Children — new regulations for childminding
- National Action Plan for Childminding 2021–2028
- Consumer Rights Act 2022
- Revenue — CHILDMINDING (Children and education) — Exempt
- Revenue — current VAT rates (effective 1 January 2026)
- Revenue — VAT thresholds: €42,500 for a person supplying services only