The 10 best crèches in Dublin

Full-time and part-time crèche care is available at Giraffe Childcare Harcourt Road for children aged 12 months to five years. The centre uses child-initiated and adult-led activities, with spacious rooms, sensory play and a gym room for movement and relaxation. Children also play outdoors every day.

Meals are freshly prepared on the premises, with seasonal menus that accommodate vegetarian diets, allergies and other dietary requirements. Parents receive daily information about food, sleep and activities. The centre offers early starts and late closing times for working families, plus a settling-in period to learn each child’s routine.

Links Childcare Blackrock provides crèche care and creative education for young children, with learning spaces arranged around each developmental age. Children learn through play, spend time outdoors and follow routines that provide continuity across drop-off, meals and rest. Full-time children receive a gradual settling-in period tailored to their needs.

The centre’s on-site chefs prepare meals and can cater for dietary requirements or food preferences when parents discuss them during settling in. Educarers adapt to babies’ established routines, while older children receive support with milestones such as toilet training and changing naps. Parents are welcomed into the room at morning drop-off.

Links Childcare Citywest provides crèche care and creative education for young children, using play-led learning and age-suited spaces. Daily routines include meals and outdoor time, while the Full STEAM Ahead curriculum brings science, technology, engineering, arts and maths into the child’s day.

Settling-in sessions are gradual, helping staff learn each child’s routine, likes and dislikes. On-site chefs can cater for dietary requirements when parents discuss them with the crèche manager. Parents should also note that the centre cannot store buggies or car seats during the day, and a booking deposit is required to secure a place.

Full-day, part-time, afterschool and out-of-term childcare are offered at Tir na nÓg Childcare Huntstown. The setting combines early years education with play, social development and child-led activities, supporting children at different stages before school and during school holidays. ECCE and National Childcare Scheme options are also listed.

The service includes gardens, food and nutrition, calendars and a parents’ handbook to help families understand daily arrangements. Afterschool care provides a place to unwind and take part in activities, while holiday care keeps children active and engaged. The stated opening hours are 07:30 to 18:00.

Giraffe Childcare Central Park provides full-time and part-time childcare, preschool and Montessori-based learning in a purpose-designed crèche. Its programme includes child-initiated and adult-led activities, a broad curriculum underpinned by Aistear and Síolta, daily outdoor play and freshly prepared meals. The centre offers early starts and late closing times to support flexible working patterns, and parents receive daily feedback recorded in each child’s diary. The centre caters for vegetarian diets and dietary or allergy requirements, with low-salt and low-sugar meals. It suits families seeking structured childcare with settling-in support and regular communication about routines and activities.

Giraffe Childcare National College Ireland provides crèche and preschool care in a warm, safe setting designed around children’s interests and individual needs. The centre supports early starts and late closing times, with a curriculum based on the Aistear and Síolta frameworks, messy play and art activities.

Children’s days are recorded through daily feedback covering meals, sleep and activities. Meals are freshly prepared on the premises, with vegetarian, low-salt and low-sugar options plus provision for dietary and allergy requirements. The centre works with parents during a settling-in period and offers outdoor play every day. It is located at the rear of the National College of Ireland in the IFSC.

Giraffe Childcare Stepaside provides crèche and preschool care in a homely setting that responds to children’s interests and individual needs. Its approach combines child-initiated and adult-led learning, imaginative play, arts and crafts, outdoor activity and a curriculum underpinned by the Aistear and Síolta frameworks.

The centre offers early starts and late closing times, daily outdoor play and ground-floor rooms with access to a secure outdoor area. Meals are freshly prepared on site, with seasonal menus that cater for vegetarian diets and specific allergies. Parents receive daily feedback, including records of food, sleep and activities. Freshly prepared meals on site can accommodate specified dietary and allergy requirements.

Play-based early learning, preschool and afterschool care are provided at Phoenix Childcare across Dublin 15 and Dublin 20. Children learn through hands-on activities guided by Aistear and Síolta, with educators supporting social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. The centres also provide hot meals and snacks, with dietary needs managed in partnership with families.

Families can choose care according to the centre and age range. Chapelizod caters for children from one to preschool age, Huntstown provides full-time care from age two to six, and Luttrellstown offers ECCE sessional care and school-age childcare. Afterschool care, camps and full-day options are available, while regular parent updates are shared through daily communication and the Child Paths app.