Childcare Costs in Ireland and How to Reduce Them

How expensive is childcare in Ireland?

Ireland consistently ranks among the most expensive countries in the OECD for childcare as a percentage of average wages. Full-time crèche fees vary significantly by location:

• Dublin (city): €1,100–€2,000+ per month for a baby/toddler full-time place
• Dublin (suburbs/commuter towns): €900–€1,400 per month
• Cork/Galway city: €800–€1,200 per month
• Rural areas: €600–€900 per month

These costs reduce as children get older, and drop significantly once the ECCE free preschool year kicks in.

National Childcare Scheme (NCS) subsidies

The NCS provides two subsidies that apply on top of each other:

Universal subsidy: €1.40 per hour for all children under 15 in registered childcare — no means test, everyone gets this. For a child in full-time childcare (50 hours/week), this is worth approximately €280/month.

Income-assessed subsidy: Additional subsidy based on family income. Families earning under approximately €26,000 may receive up to €5.10 per hour additional subsidy. The subsidy tapers off as income rises, phasing out at around €60,000.

Apply at ncs.gov.ie. You'll need a verified MyGovID account and the childcare provider must be NCS-registered.

Employer childcare supports

Some larger employers offer childcare benefits — either on-site crèches, subsidised places at nearby providers, or childcare vouchers. Ask your HR department. The government also allows employers to pay up to €1,000 per year per employee toward childcare costs tax-free.

Childminder vs crèche: the cost comparison

A registered childminder (who cares for children in their own home) is often cheaper than a crèche — typically €5–€10 per hour, or €700–€1,200 per month for full-time. Childminders who are registered with Tusla can also participate in the NCS, making them eligible for the subsidy. An unregistered childminder cannot access NCS funding.