PRICE GUIDE · CHILDCARE & FAMILY · 2026–2027
Holiday Childcare cost in Ireland
€30–€70 per day. Typically €45.
A holiday childcare in Ireland costs €30–€70 per day, typically around €45. The price is set by full vs half day, number of children and activities/outings.
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HOW MUCH IT COSTS
How much does holiday childcare cost in Ireland?
| Low end | €30 | a simple job, off-peak, outside the cities |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | €45 | what most people pay |
| High end | €70 | 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
- Age of the children — younger children need more staff per child in holiday childcare, which lifts the daily rate.
- Types of activities included — outings, trips and specialised workshops in holiday childcare cost more than play at a single venue.
- Duration of care — a full day of holiday childcare costs more than a half day, and late collection can add a charge.
- Meal provision — holiday childcare that serves lunch and snacks charges more per day than care where children bring their own food.
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 holiday childcare booking includes
WHAT PEOPLE BOOK
Common holiday childcare jobs
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Holiday Childcare near you, with prices shown
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How to pay less
- A half day of holiday childcare costs less than a full one, if someone can collect the children at lunchtime.
- Packing a lunch for your child, where the holiday childcare provider allows it, can cost less than a meal package.
- Booking a whole week of holiday childcare, rather than single days, can come at a lower daily rate.
- Sharing in-home holiday childcare with another family splits the daily cost between both households.
- Choosing holiday childcare without paid outings or trips can lower the daily rate; you can ask for a price both ways.
Before you book
- Any specific dietary requirements or allergies of the child.
- A list of preferred activities or interests to tailor the service.
- Access to the home or childcare location for in-home services.
- You can ask the holiday childcare provider about staff qualifications and their experience with children of your child's age.
- It helps to check how the holiday childcare provider vets staff and how many carers supervise each group of children.
- Agree drop-off and collection times for holiday childcare before the start, and ask whether late collection carries a charge.
Holiday Childcare cost: questions people ask
The cost of holiday childcare can vary based on location, the age of the children, and the types of activities included. Services that offer more structured programming or additional amenities may charge higher rates.
Most holiday childcare services operate on a full-day basis, typically lasting 6-8 hours, but many also offer half-day options. The duration you choose may affect the overall cost.
While many holiday childcare providers have trained staff, it is not always necessary to have a qualified specialist unless specific needs arise. It's essential to check the qualifications of the staff to ensure they meet safety and care standards.
Emergency or same-day availability can vary by provider. Some services may offer last-minute bookings, while others might require advance notice. It’s best to inquire directly with the provider.
Yes, many childcare providers allow you to book multiple days or sessions together, which can sometimes result in a discounted rate. It's advisable to discuss this with the provider to confirm availability and pricing.
Out of scope services may include specialised educational support, medical care, or transportation to and from activities. Always check with the provider to understand what is included in the service package.
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