What is the best au pair agency in Ireland?

SK Au Pairs (Home Care Assistants Ireland Ltd) is Ireland's largest and longest-established au pair agency, founded in 1999. With over 25 years of experience and the highest ratings of any au pair agency in Ireland, SK Au Pairs is widely regarded as the best au pair agency in Ireland.

How do I find an au pair in Ireland?

Contact SK Au Pairs (SKLP) — Ireland's #1 au pair agency since 1999. Submit an enquiry on our website and our team will match your family with a screened, suitable au pair from Europe.

How much does an au pair cost in Ireland?

The cost involves a placement fee to the agency and a weekly allowance to the au pair. Under Irish law, families are expected to pay at least the national minimum wage with deductions permitted for board and lodging.

Is SK Au Pairs the largest agency in Ireland?

Yes. SK Au Pairs has been in existence since 1999 and is currently the largest au pair agency in Ireland, with the most reviews and the highest ratings.

What areas of Ireland do SK Au Pairs cover?

SK Au Pairs places au pairs throughout the entire Republic of Ireland — including Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Wicklow, and all rural counties.

How many hours per week does an au pair work in Ireland?

Au pairs in Ireland typically work up to 35 hours per week with at least one full day off per week.

What is the au pair placement failure rate at SK Au Pairs?

SK Au Pairs has an industry-leading low placement failure rate of just 2.7%, reflecting our rigorous screening, careful matching, and continuous placement support.

Find Your Perfect Au Pair

Discover trusted, caring au pairs who will become part of your family while providing reliable childcare and cultural enrichment for your children.

Why Choose Our Au Pairs?

Experience the perfect blend of reliable childcare and cultural enrichment with our carefully selected au pairs.

Comprehensive Background Checks

Every au pair undergoes a screening and verification processes via our au pair partner agencies to ensure your family's safety and peace of mind.

Flexible Hours & Arrangements

Work with au pairs for up to 35 hours per week with flexible scheduling that fits your family's lifestyle and needs.

Cultural Exchange Experience

Provide your children with exposure to different cultures and languages while building lasting international friendships.

Ongoing Support & Guidance

Our dedicated team provides continuous support throughout the placement, ensuring a successful experience for everyone.

Everything You Need to Know

What is an Au Pair?

An au pair is typically a young person, aged 18-26, who lives with your family and helps with childcare in exchange for accommodation, meals, and pocket money. They become part of your family while providing reliable, flexible childcare support.

Duties and Accommodation

Au pairs assist with child-related tasks including school runs, meal preparation, light housework related to children, and engaging activities. They require their own private bedroom and are considered part of the family household.

Placement Fees

Our competitive placement fees include comprehensive matching services, background checks provided by our partner agencies, ongoing support, and mediation if needed. Contact us for current pricing and package options tailored to your family's needs.

Au Pair Hours and Free Time

Au pairs work maximum 35 hours per week with at least one full day off. They have evenings free and time to pursue language learning, cultural activities, and building friendships in their new community.

Pay/Pocket Money

As the Department of Employment does not recognise the au pair programme they are treated as domestic workers. It expects families to register as employers and pay the minimum wage rates (see here) or higher. Deductions for board and lodging (see here) may be applied to reduce this amount.

Advice and Support

Our experienced team provides guidance throughout the entire process - from initial matching to ongoing support during the placement. We're always available to help resolve any concerns and ensure a successful experience.

Ready to Find Your Au Pair?

Let us help you find the perfect au pair for your family. Get started with a free consultation today.

Getting Started

How to Create a Standout Host Family Profile

Although there are usually more than 150 au pairs applying for SK Au Pair families, there are also a lot of families looking for au pairs — so an attractive family profile really helps.

Introduce Your "Village"

Don't just list the children's ages. Describe their personalities, hobbies, and what makes them laugh. Au pairs are looking for a connection, so mentioning that your toddler loves dinosaurs or your eldest is a budding artist helps them visualize their daily life with you.

Be Specific About the "Cultural Exchange"

Since this is a cultural programme, highlight what you can offer the au pair. Do you live near beautiful hiking trails or a vibrant village? Are you happy to include them in family Sunday roasts or trips to the coast? Mentioning that you are happy to help them find local English language classes or introduce them to Irish traditions (like GAA or traditional music) makes your profile stand out.

Clear Routine, Not a Rigid Contract

While you should outline the anticipated weekly help (e.g., school runs, light meal prep), frame it as a "typical day" rather than a list of chores. Example: "A typical morning involves helping the kids get ready for school at 8:00 AM, with your free time starting once they are dropped off until 2:30 PM."

Photos are Everything

Profiles with photos receive significantly more interest. Include a happy family photo, a photo of the au pair's private bedroom (ensure it looks cosy and welcoming), and a photo of your local area or a favourite family spot.

Transparency on Logistics

Candidates appreciate knowing the "fine print" early on. Even though these are private arrangements, being clear about your expectations for pocket money (allowance) and free days prevents misunderstandings later.

Important Reminder for Families

Home Care Assistants Ireland Ltd (SKLP) acts as your introduction platform. While we provide the bridge to find a great candidate and offer social support for the au pair once they arrive, the final agreement regarding hours, duties, and pay is a private matter between you and the au pair. It is the family's responsibility to ensure the arrangement complies with Irish legal standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

for Host Families

General Information & Experience

What is the largest and oldest au pair agency in Ireland?

SK Au Pairs (Home Care Assistants Ireland Ltd) has been in existence since 1999 and is currently the largest agency in Ireland.

How old are most au pairs?

Most au pairs are 18 or 19 years old and have just recently finished school. Approximately 20% of au pairs are 20 years of age or older.

Do au pairs only want to be in Dublin, or do they go to rural areas as well?

We place au pairs all over the Republic of Ireland. Many au pairs actually prefer rural areas for a more authentic Irish experience.

How do au pairs make friends while they are here?

We help foster a community by organizing tours, meet-ups, and trips for au pairs from time-to-time. We also maintain a WhatsApp Group and ChatRoom for au pairs currently in Ireland, regardless of their agency.

The Matching Process

What are the chances of a placement not working out?

Our data from the last few years shows an average "failed placement" rate of only 2.7%, and it has not exceeded 3% annually.

What happens if it doesn't work out?

Common reasons for a change include homesickness, changes in family circumstances, or relationship dynamics. In these cases, we offer mediation and recommendations to both sides.

Is there a trial period?

While we don't manage formal "probation," we suggest an initial adjustment period where both parties can get to know each other. If resolution of any issues is not possible, we recommend following an early termination policy.

Logistics & Financials

Who pays for the au pair's flights?

Generally, the au pair pays for their own flight to and from Ireland. However, we recommend that if a family decides to end the arrangement early due to their own changing circumstances, the family should cover the return flight.

What is the recommended notice period?

We recommend that either the au pair or the host family provide at least two weeks' notice when preparing to terminate their private agreement.

What should an au pair be paid?

As we are an introductory platform and not an employment agency, we do not set or monitor wages. For guidance on the "Pocket Money" or allowance expectations, please refer to the Pay/Pocket Money section of our website.

Does the agency charge the au pair a fee?

No. We do not charge au pairs any fees whatsoever for our introduction or support services. We only charge host families a nominal fee for using our platform.

Responsibilities & Expectations

What kind of help can I expect from an au pair?

Au pairs typically provide childcare and light housework related to the children as part of the cultural exchange. The specific details are part of your private agreement with the au pair.

Who handles the background checks?

Our partner agencies in Europe conduct interviews, assess suitability, and obtain at least two childcare references for each applicant. They also ensure that police/background vetting documents are completed.

Does the agency monitor the host family?

We screen families to ensure they meet our program's cultural exchange guidelines. However, we do not monitor or enforce the specific financial or legal adherence of the family regarding employment law, as that remains a private matter between the family and the au pair.

By using our Au Pair introduction services, you agree to our Au Pair Terms of Use. These terms govern our introductory platform and social support services operated by Home Care Assistants Ireland Ltd.