Nannies and childminders both provide personal, home-based care — but they work in very different ways. Here's the plain-English difference for Irish families.
What is a nanny?
A nanny comes to your home and cares only for your children. She works to your schedule, follows your routine, and often helps with children's meals, laundry and light tidying.
What is a childminder?
A childminder cares for your child in her own home, usually alongside a small number of other children. She sets the routine and location; you drop off and collect. See our guide on finding a childminder.
Key differences
- Location: your home vs her home.
- Cost: nannies €13–€18/hour in Dublin; childminders €5–€8/hour.
- Flexibility: a nanny works your hours; a childminder has set opening hours.
- Regulation: nannies are not currently Tusla-registered; childminders are moving under Tusla registration by 2027.
Average costs in Ireland (2026)
A full-time nanny in Dublin is typically €600–€750 a week gross. A childminder for the same hours is usually €250–€350 a week. Full breakdown in our nanny hiring guide.
Tax — the big one
A nanny is your employee. You register as an employer with Revenue and operate PAYE, PRSI and USC on her wages. A childminder is self-employed and looks after her own tax.
When a nanny suits better
- Two or more young children (cost per child drops)
- Irregular hours, shift work, or frequent travel
- Child with additional needs who needs 1:1 support
- You want care in your own home so mornings are simpler
When a childminder suits better
- You want your child to socialise with other kids
- Cost matters — a childminder is usually a lot cheaper
- You want a more structured environment outside your home
- You want NCS savings (via a registered childminder)