Nursing Home Costs in Ireland (2026): Weekly Prices by County

A nursing home in Ireland typically costs €1,290 a week at a private or voluntary home, about €67,000 a year, based on the prices the HSE publishes for the Fair Deal scheme in October 2026. HSE public nursing homes have a higher weekly cost of care, typically around €1,966. Most residents do not pay the full price: under Fair Deal you pay a contribution based on your income and assets and the HSE pays the rest.

Nursing home prices in Ireland at a glance

Source: HSE Nursing Homes Support Scheme price lists (private and voluntary homes, 14 October 2026; public homes, September 2026). These are the maximum weekly prices agreed for Fair Deal residents.

Prices by county

Dublin is the most expensive county, with a typical agreed price of about €1,410 a week, followed by Kildare (€1,350), Wicklow (€1,338) and Meath (€1,320). The lowest typical prices are in counties such as Westmeath, Roscommon, Kerry, Galway and Mayo, at around €1,250 to €1,270 a week. See every home’s price in our nursing homes by county directory.

What you actually pay under Fair Deal

• 80% of your assessable income, after allowable deductions such as tax, USC and health expenses.
• 7.5% a year of your assets above €36,000 (€72,000 for a couple), including your home for the first 3 years only.
• The HSE pays the rest of the home’s agreed price. Your contribution is the same at any approved home.

Read Fair Deal explained for the full rules, the 3-year cap and the nursing home loan.

Extra charges

Fair Deal does not cover extras such as social activities, hairdressing, newspapers, outings or some therapies. Many homes charge a weekly “social programme” or activities fee. These must be set out in the contract of care, so ask each home for its list of extra charges in writing before choosing.

Paying privately

If you do not apply for Fair Deal, or are not yet approved, the home charges its private fee, which may differ from its Fair Deal price. Nursing home fees qualify for tax relief on health expenses at your highest rate of tax, which can be claimed by the resident or by a family member who pays the fees. Check the details with Revenue.

Short stays and respite

Respite and convalescent stays are not covered by Fair Deal. Ask the HSE about respite support through your public health nurse or local health office, and ask homes for their short-stay rates.

Common questions

How much is a nursing home per week in Ireland?

Typically €1,290 a week at a private or voluntary home under Fair Deal, from €1,200 to about €1,500. Dublin is the dearest at around €1,410.

Why do public nursing homes cost more?

The HSE’s published cost of care for its own homes includes higher staffing and often more complex care, including community hospitals. Under Fair Deal your contribution is the same whether you choose a public or private home.

Can a nursing home charge more than the Fair Deal price?

Not for the care covered by the scheme, but it can charge for extras not covered, which should be listed in your contract.

Reviewed by The Care Panel team on 28 October 2026. This guide is general information about care in England, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules and rates change; check with your council or an adviser before making decisions.