HOW TO HIRE · EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT · CHECKED OCTOBER 2026
How to hire a stilt walker in Ireland
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.
A stilt walker in Ireland costs €150–€500 per booking, typically around €300. 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 a stilt walker in five steps
- Are you a trader, and can I see that in writing?No register covers stilt walker work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — parade Participation — stilt walkers are popular in parades, helping to elevate the spectacle of the event.
- How does duration of performance change the price?The hours quoted are the hours worked, not an estimate of the job. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does travel distance change the price?City rates reflect what it costs to work there. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does complexity of the act change the price?It moves the price in both directions depending on the job. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- What is not included?Standard stilt walker services typically do not cover equipment rentals, venue decorations, or additional entertainment services — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a stilt walker 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 stilt walker work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — parade Participation — stilt walkers are popular in parades, helping to elevate the spectacle of the event.
A good answer: The hours quoted are the hours worked, not an estimate of the job. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: City rates reflect what it costs to work there. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: It moves the price in both directions depending on the job. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Standard stilt walker services typically do not cover equipment rentals, venue decorations, or additional entertainment services — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a stilt walker 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 — themed Costumes — stilt walkers often wear themed costumes that align with the event's motif, whether it's a carnival, corporate event, or children's party.
A good answer: A written scope and a price before the stilt walker starts, and an itemised invoice after — interactive Performances — many stilt walkers engage with the audience, performing tricks, posing for photos, and even leading group activities.
Getting the quote right
- Duration of performance — the hours quoted are the hours worked, not an estimate of the job.
- Travel distance — city rates reflect what it costs to work there.
- Complexity of the act — it moves the price in both directions depending on the job.
- Costume design — the quote moves with this more than with anything else listed.
- 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 performance — the hours quoted are the hours worked, not an estimate of the job
- They will not talk about it: travel distance — city rates reflect what it costs to work there
- They will not talk about it: complexity of the act — it moves the price in both directions depending on the job
- A price for the stilt walker 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 stilt walker has begun
What a stilt walker costs: €150–€500 per booking
The figures are for the job, per booking, and a quote for your own is the only number that binds anyone. Themed stilt walker and Acrobatic stilt walker each carry their own band. Stilt Walker 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
Stilt walkers 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 firstDuration of performance — the hours quoted are the hours worked, not an estimate of the job — that is what the stilt walker is judging on the first visit, and a price given without it is a guess.
- Agree what is being doneTravel distance — city rates reflect what it costs to work there — put in writing before anyone starts, because it is the document you both read back at the end.
- The work itselfComplexity of the act — it moves the price in both directions depending on the job — and anything found on the day that was not in that is priced before it is started.
- Check it togetherCostume design — the quote moves with this more than with anything else listed — walked against the written scope rather than against the feeling of it, while the stilt walker is still there.
- What you are handedThe itemised invoice and any guarantee on the workmanship and the parts, special requests — it is the reason two providers can quote very differently.
- Event Atmosphere
- Stilt walkers can enhance the ambiance of any event, from festivals to private parties.
- Interactive Performances
- Many stilt walkers engage with the audience, performing tricks, posing for photos, and even leading group activities.
- Themed Costumes
- Stilt walkers often wear themed costumes that align with the event's motif, whether it's a carnival, corporate event, or children's party.
- Parade Participation
- Stilt walkers are popular in parades, helping to elevate the spectacle of the event.
- Themed Stilt Walker
- A performer dressed in a specific theme, like a fairy or a historical character, to enhance the atmosphere of your event.
- Acrobatic Stilt Walker
- A performer who incorporates acrobatic skills into their stilt walking, offering dynamic and thrilling routines.
AFTER
When the job is done
Hiring a stilt walker: questions people ask
The cost can vary based on experience, duration of performance, and travel distance. Additional factors include costume complexity and any specific requests for themed performances.
While it's possible to find stilt walkers available for last-minute bookings, availability can be limited. It's best to contact performers directly to check for same-day options.
Yes, many stilt walkers can coordinate to perform together, enhancing the visual impact of your event. Booking multiple performers may also qualify for group discounts.
Standard stilt walker services typically do not cover equipment rentals, venue decorations, or additional entertainment services. Be sure to clarify any additional needs when 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.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 the work must be carried out with reasonable skill and care, and put right if it is not. Say what is wrong in writing first.
MORE GUIDES