Childcare advice for Irish parents
Everything you need to know about finding, funding and choosing childcare in Ireland — creches, childminders, nannies and activities.
Swimming Lessons for Kids in Ireland — When to Start, Costs and Where to Find Them
When to start baby and toddler swimming, average lesson costs, and how to pick a swim school.
Read more →After-School Care in Ireland — Options, Costs and How to Find It
Afterschool clubs, childminders, nannies and au pairs — costs, NCS and what to look for.
Read more →Montessori vs Creche — What Is the Difference?
How Montessori preschools differ from traditional creches on age groups, learning and cost.
Read more →Hiring a Nanny in Ireland — Costs, Tax and What to Know
Average nanny costs, PAYE/PRSI obligations, contracts, Garda vetting and nanny sharing.
Read more →Childminder Registration in Ireland — What You Need to Know
The new Tusla childminder registration rules, transition period and what it means for parents.
Read more →Summer Camps for Kids in Ireland — The Complete Guide 2026
Types of camps, ages, costs, when to book and what to pack for Irish summer camps in 2026.
Read more →10 Best Activities and Classes for Toddlers in Ireland
From baby sensory to toddler football — the best classes to book for under-fives in Ireland.
Read more →When Can My Child Start ECCE? Age Rules Explained
The ECCE age cutoff, how to calculate your child's start date and how ECCE works with NCS.
Read more →Preparing Your Child for Their First Day at Creche
Settling-in visits, morning routines, packing lists and how to handle separation anxiety.
Read more →Childcare Costs in Ireland by County — 2026 Guide
Average monthly creche and childminder costs by county, plus what you pay after NCS and ECCE.
Read more →How to Get Off the Creche Waiting List Faster — 7 Tips
Seven practical tips to move up Irish creche waiting lists faster, especially in Dublin.
Read more →How to Apply for the National Childcare Scheme — Step by Step
A step-by-step guide to applying for the NCS in Ireland, from PPS number to CHICK code.
Read more →Nanny vs Childminder — What Is the Difference?
The differences between nannies and childminders in Ireland — cost, tax, setting and who suits.
Read more →How to Find a Childminder in Ireland in 2026
Where to look, what to ask, Tusla registration, Garda vetting and red flags to watch for.
Read more →Childminder vs Creche — Which Is Right for Your Family?
Compare childminders and creches on cost, ratios, flexibility and regulation in Ireland.
Read more →When Should I Start Looking for a Creche in Ireland?
Why Irish parents start during pregnancy and how to manage waiting lists.
Read more →What Is the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) and Am I Eligible?
The universal subsidy, income-assessed support, and how to apply.
Read more →What Is the ECCE Free Preschool Scheme in Ireland?
Free 15 hours of preschool, age rules, and how to claim.
Read more →12 Questions to Ask When Visiting a Creche
A practical checklist for your creche visits.
Read more →How to Read a Tusla Inspection Report
What inspectors check and how to interpret reports.
Read more →How Much Does a Creche Cost in Ireland in 2025?
Average costs by county, NCS, ECCE and what you actually pay.
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