If you’re moving to Ireland with young children—or planning to start a family after you arrive—childcare will likely be one of your biggest practical and financial concerns. Ireland has a well-established childcare sector, but spaces are limited, costs are high, and waitlists can be long, especially in Dublin, Cork, and other urban areas.
This guide walks you through the types of childcare available, what you’ll pay, how government subsidies work, and what steps to take to secure a place.
Types of Childcare in Ireland
Ireland offers several childcare options, depending on your child’s age and your work schedule:
- Crèches and daycare centers: The most common option for full-time care. They accept children from a few months old up to school age (typically 4 or 5). Most operate Monday to Friday, roughly 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. They’re regulated by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and must meet strict standards for safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios.
- Childminders: Self-employed carers who look after children in the childminder’s own home. This can be a more flexible, home-like option. Childminders caring for more than three children (from different families) must notify Tusla and meet certain requirements.
- Naíonraí (Irish-language preschools): Part-time, play-based preschools conducted through Irish. Often community-run and eligible for the same subsidies as other Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) settings.
- Au pairs and nannies: Private arrangements. Au pairs live with the family and provide care in exchange for room, board, and pocket money. Nannies are employees you hire directly. Neither is subsidized by the government.
What Childcare Costs in Ireland
Childcare in Ireland is among the most expensive in Europe. Costs vary by location, type of care, and your child’s age, but here are typical full-time rates:
- Crèche (Dublin): $1,300 to $1,900 per month per child
- Crèche (outside Dublin): $950 to $1,450 per month per child
- Childminder: $800 to $1,300 per month, depending on hours and location
- Part-time preschool (ECCE): Free for eligible children (see below), though some charge a small voluntary contribution
Infants and toddlers usually cost more than older preschoolers. Many crèches offer sibling discounts.
The National Childcare Scheme and ECCE Program
The Irish government provides two main subsidies to help with childcare costs:
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) program: All children aged 2 years 8 months to 5 years 6 months are entitled to two years of free preschool (up to 15 hours per week, 38 weeks per year). This is universal—everyone qualifies, regardless of income or immigration status. Most crèches and preschools participate. You register your child directly with the provider, who claims the subsidy from the government.
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS): An income-based subsidy for children under 15. Depending on your household income, you may qualify for a substantial discount on childcare fees—sometimes covering 50% or more of the cost. You apply online through the NCS portal at ncs.gov.ie. You’ll need your PPS number, proof of income, and details of your chosen childcare provider (who must be registered with the scheme). Once approved, the subsidy is paid directly to the provider, and you pay the balance.
Both schemes are open to legal residents, including those on employment permits, Stamp 4, and EU Treaty Rights. Processing can take a few weeks, so apply as soon as you have your PPS number and proof of address.
How to Secure a Childcare Place
Childcare spaces—especially for infants—can be scarce. Here’s how to improve your chances:
- Start early: Begin researching and contacting crèches at least 3 to 6 months before you need care. Some parents in Dublin register before their child is even born.
- Search locally: Use the Tusla online register at tusla.ie to find registered providers in your area. You can also ask for recommendations in local parenting groups on Facebook or other forums.
- Visit in person: If you’re already in Ireland, arrange to visit crèches. Ask about waitlists, fees, daily routines, and staff qualifications. Trust your instincts about the environment and how staff interact with children.
- Get on multiple waitlists: Most crèches require a small deposit (around $50 to $100) to join their waitlist. This doesn’t guarantee a place, but it’s often necessary. Don’t rely on just one option.
- Consider flexibility: If full-time crèche spaces are unavailable, a childminder or part-time arrangement might be easier to secure while you wait for a crèche place to open.
Childcare and Work: What to Expect
Most crèches don’t offer drop-in or casual care—places are allocated on a set schedule (e.g., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). If your work hours are irregular, a childminder may offer more flexibility.
Parents in Ireland are entitled to parental leave and parent’s benefit from the Department of Social Protection, which can help you care for very young children before formal childcare begins. You can find details at citizensinformation.ie.
Final Thoughts
Childcare in Ireland requires planning, patience, and a significant portion of your budget—but the system is navigable, and subsidies can make a real difference. Start your search early, apply for the National Childcare Scheme as soon as you’re eligible, and don’t hesitate to ask other parents for advice and recommendations.
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