PRICE GUIDE · CHILDCARE & FAMILY · 2026–2027
After-School Care cost in Ireland
€12–€22 per session. Typically €16.
An after-school care in Ireland costs €12–€22 per session, typically around €16. The price is set by hours covered, pickup included? and number of children.
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HOW MUCH IT COSTS
How much does after-school care cost in Ireland?
| Low end | €12 | a simple job, off-peak, outside the cities |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | €16 | what most people pay |
| High end | €22 | the biggest jobs, short notice, Dublin |
Locufy guide prices for 2026–2027. Updated 2026. A national range, not a quote — enter your town above for real prices from the babysitters, childminders, nannies, crèches and agencies near you.
What moves the price
- Caregiver's experience — after-school carers with childcare and first aid training may charge more per session.
- Services offered — homework help, meals and structured activities add to the price of each session.
- Number of children being cared for — each extra child adds supervision and snacks, which raises the session price.
- Complexity of the activities offered — arts and crafts or sports need materials and planning, which can raise the price.
- School pickup — collecting children from school adds travel time, so after-school care with pickup costs more.
What families pay for Childcare is down 35% over five years, largely because of subsidies (CSO Consumer Price Index, Childcare, to 2025 December); what providers charge has not fallen in the same way. CSO CPM18
WHAT YOU GET
What an after-school care visit includes
Takes: After-school care sessions usually last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the needs of the parents and the program's schedule..
WHAT PEOPLE BOOK
Common after-school care jobs
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After-School Care near you, with prices shown
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How to pay less
- Sending a packed snack instead of paying for a prepared meal can lower the after-school care price.
- Asking about sibling rates can lower the price when more than a single child attends after-school care.
- Collecting your child yourself, rather than paying for pickup, keeps the after-school care session cheaper.
- Booking a regular weekly pattern of after-school care can cost less than paying for occasional drop-in sessions.
- Booking shorter sessions on days you finish work early avoids paying for after-school care you do not need.
Before you book
- Any medical information or allergies related to the child, including anything to avoid at snack time.
- A schedule of the child's school hours and any extracurricular activities.
- Items needed for activities, such as sports gear or art supplies.
- Tell the provider who is allowed to collect your child from after-school care and how they will be identified.
- Check the ratio of carers to children and what happens to supervision if a carer is off sick.
- Agree the pickup time, the late collection policy and any charge for collecting your child late from after-school care.
- You can ask whether after-school care staff are trained in childcare and first aid, and how staff background checks are carried out.
After-School Care cost: questions people ask
The cost of after-school care can vary based on location, the caregiver's experience, and the services offered. Additional activities, such as transportation or specialised tutoring, may also contribute to higher rates.
After-school care sessions usually last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the needs of the parents and the program's schedule. Some providers may offer flexible hours to accommodate different family situations.
While a general caregiver can provide after-school care, hiring someone with experience in childcare or education can enhance the experience. For specific needs, such as tutoring in specialised subjects, a qualified specialist may be beneficial.
Many after-school care providers offer emergency or same-day services, but availability can vary. It's advisable to check with providers in advance to understand their policies and potential additional fees.
Yes, many after-school care providers offer packages that include multiple services, such as homework help and meal preparation. Booking multiple services may also provide cost savings.
After-school care typically does not include medical care, overnight supervision, or transportation beyond school and home. It's important to clarify the scope of services with your provider beforehand.
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