Creche fees in Ireland vary widely by county, with Dublin and the commuter belt at the top end. Here's a realistic guide for 2025.
Average full-time monthly fees (before subsidies)
- Dublin: €950–€1,200
- Cork city: €800–€1,050
- Galway city: €750–€1,000
- Other counties: €650–€900
NCS Universal Subsidy
Every family gets €2.14 per hour, up to 45 hours a week. For a full-time 40-hour week that's about €370/month off the gross fee.
Income-assessed support
If reckonable household income is under €60,000, you may get a higher hourly rate on top — for the lowest income band, the combined subsidy can cover most of the fee.
ECCE Free Preschool
Once your child is between 2 years 8 months and 5 years 6 months, ECCE provides 15 free hours per week (Sept–June). For most families this knocks another €350–€450 off the monthly bill in term time.
What a typical Dublin family pays
For a full-time spot in Dublin at €1,100, after the universal NCS, an average family pays around €730/month. Add ECCE once your child is preschool age and that drops further during term.
Use the Crechely cost calculator for an estimate based on your details.