PRICE GUIDE · CHILDCARE & FAMILY · 2026–2027
Childminder cost in Ireland
€10–€15 per hour. Typically €13.
A childminder in Ireland costs €10–€15 per hour, typically around €13. The price is set by number/ages of children, registered childminder? and hours and regularity.
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HOW MUCH IT COSTS
How much does a childminder cost in Ireland?
| Low end | €10 | a simple job, off-peak, outside the cities |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | €13 | what most people pay |
| High end | €15 | 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
- Specific services offered — school pick-up and drop-off or meals add to the childminder's rate per hour.
- Number of children — each extra child adds to the childminder's care and often to the price per hour.
- Childminder's qualifications — a registered childminder with childcare diplomas may charge more per hour.
- Complexity of care required — a child with special needs may need more individual attention, which can lift the rate.
| Lowest | €4.40 | the lowest rate a provider has set |
|---|---|---|
| Average | €19 | across 17 hourly service providers |
| Highest | €27.50 | the highest rate a provider has set |
What it costs on Locufy
These are the rates the 17 hourly service providers on Locufy in Ireland set themselves, as their profiles show them.
Locufy credit lowers these rates further:
- €10 · You get €10 of credit when you finish signing up.
- €10 · You and a friend each get €10 when they complete their first booking.
- €1 · Each review of a completed job earns you 100 points (€1); every 1,000 points becomes €10 of credit.
Example: credit can cover up to 10% of a booking, so at the €19 average an hour costs you €17.10 while your credit lasts.
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 a childminder visit includes
Takes: Childminders can be booked for varying durations, from a few hours to full days, depending on your needs..
WHAT PEOPLE BOOK
Common childminder jobs
KNOW THE PRICE? NOW SEE THE REAL ONES
Childminder near you, with prices shown
The babysitters, childminders, nannies, crèches and agencies that cover your area, nearest first, each with their price and one score from every review. No account needed to look.
Or post the job free and let them come to you, or book by the hour.
How to pay less
- Asking about a sibling rate can lower the cost per hour when more than a single child is minded.
- Booking regular weekly hours usually costs less than paying for drop-in or emergency childminding.
- Doing the school pick-up yourself on some days keeps the childminder's hours and price down.
- Sending packed meals and snacks, where the childminder allows it, can lower the price per hour.
- Booking only the hours you need around school times avoids paying the childminder while your child is in class.
Before you book
- Emergency contact information and medical details of the child.
- A list of daily routines and preferences for meals and activities.
- Access to the home or designated childcare area, ensuring safety.
- Any specific toys, games, or educational materials the child enjoys.
Childminder cost: questions people ask
The cost of hiring a childminder can vary based on location, experience, and the specific services offered. Additional factors include the number of children being cared for and the hours required.
Childminders can be booked for varying durations, from a few hours to full days, depending on your needs. It's advisable to discuss your requirements upfront to ensure they can accommodate your schedule.
While many childminders are general caregivers, it can be beneficial to choose one with specialised training in child development or first aid. This is especially important if your child has specific needs.
Some childminders may offer emergency or same-day availability, but this can depend on their current commitments. It's best to contact them directly to inquire about their availability for short notice.
Yes, many childminders can accommodate multiple related jobs, such as regular childcare along with school pick-up and drop-off services. Discussing your needs with the childminder can help tailor a package that suits you.
Childminders generally focus on childcare and may not provide services like housekeeping or tutoring. It's important to clarify what is included in their service agreement to avoid misunderstandings.
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