Au Pair DestinationsIreland

Au Pair in Ireland: Information for Au Pairs and Host Families

Ireland is a beautiful country with breathtaking landscapes and hiking spots - and also the perfect place to go Au Pairing! You can learn English and enjoy a pint of Guinness at a local pub during your stay.
 
Find out on this page all the information you need to know before starting your stay. Whether you are a Host Family or an Au Pair, you will find here a guide with all the important information about Au Pairing in Ireland!
 

Program Requirements

Everything you need to know to join our Au Pair program in Ireland

For Au Pairs

For Au Pairs

  • 18-28 years old for EU citizens and 18-27 years old for non-EU citizens
  • Not an Irish National
  • Not married and do not have any children  
  • Must be able to communicate in English
  • Clear criminal record (Garda vetted)
  • Experience working with children
  • In good physical and mental health
  • Non-EU citizens need to be eligible to apply for a Visa 
  • Have graduated from at least an intermediate school and have a certificate
  • Be able to cover your visa and travel expenses
If you meet the requirements, search for your future Host Family; otherwise, consider other countries for your Au Pair experience abroad.
 
 
For Host Families

For Host Families

  • Having at least one child under the age of 18 years 
  • Being able to offer meals and a monthly salary
  • Being able to provide the participant with their own room (in their own home or nearby)
  • Respect for the working hours of the Au Pair
If you meet the requirements, become a Host Family and search for suitable Au Pairs; if not, consider other available programs on our platform.
 

Working Conditions

Fair and balanced arrangements for everyone

Working Hours Working Hours
  • Maximum 20-30 hours per week
  • Between 4h and 6h per day
 
Time Off and Holidays Time Off and Holidays
  • At least 2 days off per week
  • 4 weeks of vacation for 12 a month-stay (to be agreed with the Host Family)
 
Language Course Language Course
  • Not mandatory, but highly recommended 
  • Family may contribute to the cost 
  • Schedule must allow course attendance
 
Au Pair Responsibilities Au Pair Responsibilities
  • Childcare and babysitting
  • Be Garda vetted* 
  • Light housework related to children
  • Meal preparation for kids
  • School runs if needed
  • See details on duties and schedule
 
Au Pair Insurance Au Pair Insurance
  • Au Pairs from Non-EU countries need to acquire private health insurance
  • It is recommended for EU/EEA, Swiss or UK citizens to acquire private health insurance
  • Insurance needs to cover the whole of their stay
  • Have a European Health Insurance Card
 
Driving Licence Driving Licence
  • Discuss driving in advance
  • Confirm that your licence is valid in Ireland
  • Agree on insurance and damages
  • Include terms in the contract
 

Host Families provide Au Pairs with:

Accommodation

The Host Family must provide the Au Pair with a private room for her exclusive use, with a window with natural daylight, that is properly heated, and is sufficiently furnished. 

Meals

All meals provided - breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the family.

Pocket Money

Since Ireland does not have a specific Au Pair program, Au Pairs will work as a Childminder and have to receive a salary according to the country’s laws.

Language Course

The Family can help with the cost, though the Au Pair is the one who has to pay for it.

Health Insurance

The Au Pair has to pay all costs related to the Private Health insurance.

Transportation

The Host Family may give access to the family vehicle or buy a public transport pass for the Au Pair.

Legal Support

The family can help the Au Pair with taking care of all documentation and registration.

Everything You Need to Know

Explore our comprehensive guides to make your au pair journey smooth and successful

  • Visa options based on nationality and duration of your stay
  • Required documents for visa and registration procedures
  • Arrival obligations, registrations, and residence permits in Ireland
 
Ireland: Guided tour Ireland: Guided tour Experience the Green Island as an Au Pair in Ireland. Where to stay and where to go? Get inspired by our list and profit from our tips for Au Pairs!
Explore Ireland
Reasons to learn English Reasons to learn English There are obviously many reasons to learn English. The most convincing one: it enables you to work as an Au Pair in the UK, USA and Australia.
Start Learning

What our customers have to say about us and our service:

Maura's family,Ireland Member since 5 years

Maura's family,Ireland

 She is a wonderful, thorough, conscientious and organized person. A great cook and shops shrewdly, and with health and wise budgeting in mind. Very kind to all of our family. Wonderful lady. She will ❱❱
Josephine, German

Josephine, German

Au Pair in Ireland
I worked as an aupair in Ireland for half a year. My host family has always treated me with care and respect from day one. This stay didn't feel like work for me because I felt so comfortable as if ❱❱
Brian's family,Ireland Member since 6 years

Brian's family,Ireland

 Selina was a terrific Au Pair. Our boys absolutely loved spending time with her. Wishing her all the best in her final exams now that she is headed back to University in January.
Willie's family,Ireland Member since 2 years

Willie's family,Ireland

 Paula is very outgoing and personable. She engaged fully in life with our family and in Ireland, she provided great support to our family in looking after our elderly father, and she made some great ❱❱

Contract Information

Understanding your agreement

Written Agreement Written Agreement There is no official state-issued Au Pair contract in Ireland, but a written agreement is essential. A free template can be found here. 
Host Families and Au Pairs should agree on all terms before the stay begins, especially for non-EU Au Pairs, as the contract is required for the visa application.
Contract Duration Contract Duration There is no standard contract duration established in Ireland, though, because of Visa requirements, you should discuss with your Au Pair the duration of the stay (for visa purposes, if applicable)
Either party may terminate the contract with two weeks’ notice, allowing time to resolve issues or arrange a replacement.
Contract Must Include Contract Must Include
  • Complete work schedule with specific hours and days
  • Detailed list of duties and responsibilities
  • Pocket money amount and payment schedule
  • Vacation days, holidays, and time off
  • Health insurance coverage details
  • Room description and privacy conditions
  • Language course support and time for attendance
  • Termination conditions and notice period
  • In-case of emergency information and procedures

Au Pair program costs in Ireland

For the Host Family and Au Pair

Host Family Covers

Host Family Covers

  • Pocket money: Minimum wage that meets Ireland’s requirements
  • Accommodation: private room 
  • Food: daily meals at home
  • Household-related costs: utilities, internet, and normal living expenses
Au Pair Covers

Au Pair Covers

  • Travel costs: journey to and from Ireland
  • Language course fees: unless otherwise agreed
  • Health insurance: needs to be discussed in advance who is paying, though usually it is the Au Pair’s responsibility
  • Personal expenses: phone plan, transport, leisure, personal items
  • Extra travel or hobbies: outside of daily family life

What else?

  • In Ireland, if you are going to work with children or disabled persons, you need to be Garda vetted (police clearance). This is a procedure done at a police station in Ireland, where they will clear you to work. You need to do this as soon as you arrive in Ireland. If you are not in Ireland for over 6 consecutive months prior to the beginning of your contract, you will need to provide police clearance from your country in order to begin working. 


Was this page useful?