Whether you’re looking for a nursing home for an elderly loved one or preparing for the future, finding the best nursing homes in Ireland can be a real challenge.
In order to help you out, we did our own research and put together this comprehensive guide. Here, we’ll feature the best facilities in the country, discuss the costs involved, and answer the most common questions about nursing homes.
If you’re ready, let’s get right down to it!
How Much Do Nursing Homes Cost in Ireland
Before we look into the individual rates of the best nursing homes in Ireland, let’s first talk about the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.
Under this scheme, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has been assigned to negotiate with facilities and agree upon a maximum rate they can charge.
The NTPF will then send in these details to the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE is the one in charge of running the Nursing Homes Support Scheme and pays the balance after individuals have paid their contribution.
Anyway, keep that in mind when comparing rates for nursing homes. Here’s the price comparison of the facilities that made it to our list.
| Facilities | Rates (per week) |
| Parke House Nursing Home | €1136 |
| Kilmainhamwood Nursing Home- Mowlam Healthcare | €1015 |
| FirstCare Nursing Home- Mountpleasant Lodge | €1155 |
| Elm Hall Nursing Home | €1105 |
| CareChoice Montenotte | €1070 |
Again, these rates are not the actual amounts that each individual will be required to pay.
When you apply for the support scheme, you will be assessed based on your income and assets, and the percentage of contribution will be based on the results of the assessment.
You can read more about how it works here.
The Best Nursing Homes in Ireland
In this section, we’ll carefully look into each of the best nursing homes in Ireland that made the cut.
By getting a good grasp of the amenities, features, and type of care they can provide, you’ll be able to identify which one suits the needs of your loved ones or yourself.
1. Parke House Nursing Home
| SERVICES | Long Term Care Respite Care Dementia Care |
| WEBSITE | https://www.parkehouse.ie/ |
| RATES | €1136 |
| ADDRESS | R148, Boycetown, Kilcock, Co. Kildare, W23 X3NR, Ireland |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +353 (0)1 6103585 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Monday-Friday) |
Parke House Nursing Home is a modern, single-storey nursing home strategically located just off the M4 motorway at Junction 8 Kilcock in County Kildare. Because of its location, residents can enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, while still being easily accessible from west Dublin.
It has been providing long-term, respite, and dementia care since 2004, but it was in 2014 when it was expanded. At present, there are 145 en-suite bedrooms equipped with phone lines, TV, and radio.
When you visit this facility, it will feel as if you’ve stepped inside a hotel with its nice lobby and friendly staff. It even has its own spa, beauty salon, theatre, and cafe.
In order to keep residents busy, they offer a wide range of activities and therapies, as well as access to computers so residents can contact their families anytime. They also have gardens and landscaped courtyards for relaxation.
More importantly, this nursing home has fully trained staff, GP, and Allied Health Professionals to look out for the health of residents. They have excellent reviews from past and existing clients, especially in terms of the quality of care they provide.
If you want to see the amenities for yourself, they welcome private viewings of the facility. You’d have to contact them in advance, though, as their tours are available by appointment only.
Pros
- Tranquility of the countryside, but easily accessible from west Dublin
- Can accommodate 145 persons
- Modern facilities, including a nice spa, cafe, and theatre
- Wide range of activities and therapies
Cons
- Food can improve in terms of variety
- Private viewings or tours are by appointment only
Customer Reviews
Check out some of the reviews from their past clients:
“Parke House provided my mother with exceptional care for the last 18 months of her very long life. The quality of attention given to her by all the staff in Rye was beyond reproach. The activities that are in place for all residents of Parke House are diverse and cater to all needs. There is nothing left to chance in this nursing home. Well done all.
Finally, as my mother was dying, the whole holistic experience was wonderful. Mam died as she lived, with grace and dignity and that was facilitated by the wonderful staff. Thank you all. You will never be forgotten.”
“My Dad was at Parke House, and it was a great experience from first to last. Brigid and the whole care team looked after him superbly. Not easy to do given his dementia and other conditions. I also thought the facilities (on site cafe, hair salon, dementia street) and various activities for residents were really valuable.”
“This is an outstanding nursing home with lovely staff and amazing facilities. We are very happy with it and would highly recommend.”
2. Kilmainhamwood Nursing Home – Mowlam Healthcare
| SERVICES | Long-term care Respite Care Dementia Care |
| WEBSITE | https://www.mowlamhealthcare.com/ |
| RATES | €1015 |
| ADDRESS | Eden, Kilmainhamwood, Co. Meath, Ireland |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +353 (0)1 6103585 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Monday-Friday) |
Mowlam Healthcare is the largest provider of nursing home care in Ireland. This family-owned company has been operating for over two decades and has multiple locations in Dublin, Leinster, Munster, and Connacht.
One of their most highly rated facilities is Kilmainhamwood Nursing Home in Meath. It may not be a luxurious nursing home, but it sure promotes a warm and homely environment.
It has wide open spaces that are good for morning walks, and magnificent scenery that residents can enjoy while relaxing. There are also recreation rooms and daily activities so residents won’t get bored.
However, what makes Mowlam Healthcare different from other nursing homes is that its team develops personalised programmes for each resident. This means the exercises, therapies, and activities will depend on what will benefit the individual.
Most of the daily activities occur one-to-one with a designated carer or in small groups of residents with similar interests. Special dietary requirements and personal preferences are also noted in each resident’s personal plan.
Although they have a team of nurses, professional carers, activity coordinators, and Allied Healthcare Professionals, some have noticed that they’re a bit understaffed. Nevertheless, this nursing home still provides some of the best respite, dementia, and long-term nursing home care in the country.
Pros
- Multiple locations in Dublin, Leinster, Munster, and Connacht
- Warm and homely environment
- Variety of daily activities
- Personalised programme for each individual resident
Cons
- Management can be improved
- Slightly understaffed
Customer Reviews
Here’s what their past clients have to say about their service:
“Loads of open space big walks and fresh air”
“Nursing home and recovery centre mainly for elderly patients recovering from surgery or medical problem. Staff very friendly and professional. Might be difficult to find if you don’t know the area”
“Clean and tidy.”
3. FirstCare Nursing Home – Mountpleasant Lodge
| SERVICES | Long-term care Respite Care Dementia Care Convalescence Care |
| WEBSITE | https://www.firstcare.ie/ |
| RATES | €1155 |
| ADDRESS | Clane Rd, Portgloriam, Kilcock, Co. Kildare, W23 XT7W, Ireland |
| CONTACT DETAILS | General Enquiries – 015 136 854 From Outside Ireland – +353 (01) 531 4518 |
| OPERATING HOURS | 10:30 am to 9:00 pm (Monday-Sunday) |
Founded in 1994, FirstCare is one of the longest-standing providers of nursing home care in Ireland. It has presence in multiple locations in Dublin, Kildare, and Wicklow.
Among their facilities, one of the most highly rated is its Mountpleasant Lodge, which is located 2 km south of Kilcock village and just off the M4. With its location, the nursing home is easily accessible from Kildare, Meath, and Dublin.
When you enter the facility, you can’t help but notice the spacious and comfy feel that can easily put residents at ease. They also have a courtyard where residents can relax and showcase their gardening skills.
They even have the freedom to choose what to plant and when. All fruits and vegetables from this courtyard will then be enjoyed within the nursing home.
As its name suggests, FirstCare priotises the health of its residents. It has a multidisciplinary team of nursing staff, healthcare assistants, GPs, and allied health professionals always ready to address the needs of their clients.
They also have in-house chefs who ensure all meals are not only delicious, but also healthy. Any special dietary needs and individual choices of residents are recorded.
At FirstCare’s Mountpleasant Lodge facility, each day is different. The staff prepares a variety of activities throughout the week to keep residents entertained.
Aside from these planned activities, residents also have the freedom to choose what makes a happy day for them.
Pros
- Multiple locations in Dublin, Kildare, and Wicklow
- Trusted provider since 1994
- Homely, spacious, and peaceful facility
- Carefully planned activities throughout the week
- Well-balanced menu
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than others in this list
- Customer service can be improved
Customer Reviews
Below are some of the reviews from their past clients:
“Modern rest home. Very friendly and helpful staff. Individual rooms for clients. TV in tooms. Well maintained rest home. Lovely gardens. Kitchen areas where visitors can make tea and coffee.”
“Really great place. Best nursing home around”
“Very pleasant calm place.”
4. Elm Hall Nursing Home
| SERVICES | Long-term care Respite Care Dementia Care Convalescence Care Independent Living |
| WEBSITE | https://www.elmhallnursinghome.com/ |
| RATES | €1105 |
| ADDRESS | Loughlinstown Road, Ballyoulster, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, W23 P6EX, Ireland |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 016012399 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Open 24/7 |
Elm Hall Nursing Home is a modern, purpose-built facility in a peaceful and tranquil environment near the village of Celbridge. It offers long-term, respite, dementia, and convalescence care.
What’s great about this nursing home is that it can handle even the most complex medical needs of residents, such as feeding tubes, catheter and stoma care, and palliative care. It also has dedicated coordinators for fun and engaging one-to-one or group activities.
Aside from all the standard services, Elm Hall Nursing Home also offers independent living, which is something that not all nursing homes provide. They have a 6-acre mini-village with bungalows where residents can live independently, but with close monitoring.
Trained responders are available around the clock to assist with medical emergencies, fire alarm activations, and other forms of urgent needs. Although these 1-bedroom units have their own kitchen, a daily meal service is also available.
However, the slots for independent living are limited to 28 persons. If you’re interested to check out the facility but can’t find the time to visit personally, you can have a virtual viewing of the facility.
Pros
- Peaceful and tranquil environment
- Independent living available
- Can handle the most complex medical needs
- Easy online booking for visitation and virtual viewing of facility
- Expert advice on various types of funding available
Cons
- Customer support can be improved
- Limited slots for independent living
Customer Reviews
Check out some of the comments from their past clients:
“Our mam just had a short stay with the wonderful and caring staff of Elm Hall Nursing Home..In her last few days there they cared for her above and beyond their call of duty and the kindness and support they gave to the family when she passed was wonderful..truly all angel’s”
“A really nice place with a fantastic staff”
“If you are looking for a nursing home in the area, please take a moment to read our latest HIQA report published today. I am really proud of David Wallace and the team at our nursing and retirement village in Celbridge and what has been achieved after just 6 months. Best wishes for 2019 to all our residents, staff, friends and trusted partners and suppliers.”
5. CareChoice Montenotte
| SERVICES | Long-term Residential Care Respite Care Convalescence Care Palliative Care |
| WEBSITE | https://www.carechoice.ie/ |
| RATES | €1070 |
| ADDRESS | Middle Glanmire Rd, Montenotte, Cork, Ireland |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 01 223 3000 021 486 1777 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Open 24/7 |
With over 30 years of industry experience, CareChoice is one of the leading nursing home care providers in Ireland. It currently manages 12 facilities across Dublin, Meath, Waterford, and Cork.
Among these facilities, CareChoice Montenotte is one of the favourites. It is a beautifully refurbished building in 1.5 acres of landscaped gardens located just outside Cork.
Originally, the facility was a convent until it was acquired by CareChoice in 2000 to transform into a nursing home. Although they invested in state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll notice that its old-world charm was kept intact.
When you enter the building, you’ll see magnificent ornamental staircases and the original lift cage. There are 57 private and 27 semi-private rooms, which can accommodate a total of 111 residents who need long-term, respite, convalescence, or palliative care.
According to past clients and even some of the staff, although the quality of care and support is great, it can be further improved if there’s a more personalised approach. However, this is understandable considering the high number of residents in the facility that the staff needs to attend to.
Regardless, it is still one of the best nursing homes in Ireland especially with the wide variety of activity programmes, therapies, exercise classes, and social activities that can keep residents healthy and entertained.
Pros
- 12 facilities across Dublin, Meath, Waterford, and Cork
- 30 years of solid industry experience
- Palliative care available
- Can accommodate 111 residents
- Old-world charm
- Private and semi-private bedrooms available
Cons
- A more personalised approach can still improve their quality of care
Customer Reviews
Check out some of the testimonials from their past clients:
“The staff at this place really care. I live abroad so having peace of mind that my father is in a good place is comforting. They have gone to great lengths to get to know my dad and myself. It has a wonderful atmosphere and feels warm and welcoming every time I visit. I am most grateful to have found this place.”
“Extremely kind and caring to residents and their families”
“Great care for the elderly”
6. Brookhaven
| SERVICES | https://brookhaven.ie/our-care-homes/ |
| WEBSITE | https://brookhaven.ie/ |
| RATES | Contact them for more details |
| ADDRESS | Head Office Address: Talbot Lodge, Kinsealy Lane, Malahide, County Dublin. K36 EK85 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 01-846 2115 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Contact them for more details |
Brookhaven HealthCare is all for making their residents feel safe and at ease. They want nothing but to satisfy their needs.
With them, you are guaranteed an enhanced living experience. They pride themselves in having to provide nursing homes that are purpose built as well as rooms that are single occupancy ensuite.
Not only do they provide shelter, they also make sure to help you maintain a lifestyle in line with your personal preferences. They commit to catering services grounded by their core principles while making certain to respect your right to make independent decisions.
Pros
- Exceptional Care
- Person oriented
- Vibrant Community
Cons
- Rates are unavailable online
Customer Reviews
Here’s a review from one of Brookhaven clients:
“When you come to the realisation that one of your parents need 24 hour care which you can’t provide, a Nursing Home becomes your only choice, and it is not one that we ever considered in our close knit family. So when our dear mother Kathleen entered Talbot Lodge, we learnt wonderful lessons in care, kindness and professionalism.
From the minute you enter the doors into Reception, there is a great sense of friendliness and welcome. The Staff go out of their way to continue that, coupled with all the care they give to everyone. In fact, each Resident is made to feel special, and indeed the same with family and friends visiting.
Eveline & her wonderful Staff made a very difficult time in our lives so much easier and indeed when Mam passed away through Covid restrictions, they treated us with amazing care and sympathy.
As our Dad was inclined to say “We will be forever grateful”.
Regards and Thanks, Catherine & Michael Ryan (for Kathleen Flannery)”
Here’s another one:
“Very strong management staff supporting all the staff and residents in the house. I would highly recommend this nursing home for anyone. The staff are all very experienced and supportive from my experience”
FAQs About the Best Nursing Homes in Ireland
As people grow older, they may suffer from health conditions that require focused, 24/7 care. If you’re looking for a facility that can accommodate you or your loved ones’ special needs, feel free to use this article as a reference to make your search faster.
If you’ve had any experience with the best nursing homes in Ireland featured in this guide, kindly share your experience with us! For those looking to further narrow down their options to Waterford in particular, check out the separate guide we created on the best nursing homes in Waterford.