PRICE GUIDE · CHILDCARE & FAMILY · 2026–2027
Au Pair cost in Ireland
€100–€150 per week. Typically €120.
An au pair in Ireland costs €100–€150 per week, typically around €120. The price is set by weekly pocket money, hours agreed and board and lodging.
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HOW MUCH IT COSTS
How much does an au pair cost in Ireland?
| Low end | €100 | a simple job, off-peak, outside the cities |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | €120 | what most people pay |
| High end | €150 | 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
- Number of children — more children mean more childcare duties, which can raise the weekly pocket money.
- Specific duties required — adding household tasks or language tutoring to childcare can raise the weekly amount.
- Number of hours required — a full-time au pair is paid more pocket money each week than a part-time au pair.
- Au Pair's experience level — an au pair with childcare experience or training may expect more pocket money.
- Living arrangements — board and lodging are part of the au pair arrangement and are weighed against the weekly pocket money.
- Season — a summer au pair for the school holidays is needed for fewer weeks than a year-round placement.
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 au pair booking includes
WHAT PEOPLE BOOK
Common au pair jobs
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Au Pair near you, with prices shown
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How to pay less
- A part-time au pair working fewer hours each week costs less than a full-time live-in placement.
- Booking a summer au pair only for the school holidays costs less than paying for childcare help all year.
- Keeping the au pair's duties to childcare and light household tasks keeps the weekly pocket money at the usual level.
- Planning the au pair's hours around school times means fewer hours each week, which keeps the pocket money lower.
- An au pair for childcare and school runs can cost less than paying a childminder for the same hours.
Before you book
- A private, comfortable room ready for the au pair, so they can settle into family life with some space of their own.
- Access to family schedules and routines to facilitate smooth integration.
- Clear guidelines on childcare expectations and household rules.
- Support for cultural exchange, including activities or outings.
- You can ask about the au pair's childcare experience and agree together what to do in an emergency with the children.
Au Pair cost: questions people ask
The cost of hiring an au pair can vary based on factors such as location, the number of children, and the specific duties required. Additionally, the experience level and qualifications of the au pair may also impact pricing.
Au pair placements typically last from a few months to up to a year, depending on the family's needs and the au pair's visa regulations. Many families prefer longer placements for consistency in childcare.
Most au pairs are not required to have formal childcare qualifications, but experience with children is often preferred. Families looking for specialised care, such as for children with special needs, may want to consider hiring qualified professionals instead.
While some agencies may offer same-day placements, it is generally advisable to plan ahead when hiring an au pair. Emergency childcare needs may be better served by local babysitting services.
Yes, many families choose to book multiple related jobs, such as childcare and light housekeeping, with the same au pair. This arrangement can provide continuity and convenience for both the family and the au pair.
Au pairs are generally not expected to perform heavy housework, take care of pets, or manage household finances. Their primary focus should be on childcare and light household tasks related to the children.
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