House Painting Cost Guide Ireland
Painting quotes in Ireland vary wildly, and it's rarely obvious why. Below are realistic 2026 prices for interior and exterior work, what actually drives the number, and the questions to ask so you're comparing two quotes fairly rather than just picking the cheapest.
Interior painting prices
Interior pricing is usually per room, based on two coats to walls and ceilings with normal prep included.
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Single bedroom (walls + ceiling) | €300 – €550 |
| Living room | €450 – €800 |
| Kitchen / dining area | €400 – €750 |
| Hall, stairs & landing | €600 – €1,200 |
| Full 3-bed semi, walls & ceilings | €2,500 – €4,500 |
| Woodwork & doors (per room, added) | €150 – €350 |
Exterior painting prices
Exterior work is priced per property rather than per square metre, because prep condition matters more than floor area. Prices below assume power washing, moss treatment, filling and two coats of masonry paint.
| Property | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Bungalow, full exterior | €2,000 – €3,500 |
| 3-bed semi-detached | €2,500 – €4,500 |
| 4-bed detached | €3,500 – €6,000 |
| Soffits, fascia & gutters | €500 – €1,200 |
| Power washing only | €250 – €600 |
Coastal properties in Wexford and Wicklow often need extra washing and fungicidal treatment — worth doing, and worth having itemised on the quote.
What changes the price
Prep condition
Cracked plaster, peeling paint, damp patches or heavy filling add labour before a brush is lifted. This is the single biggest swing in any quote.
Ceiling height & access
Stairwells, double-height hallways and two-storey exteriors need towers or scaffolding, which adds time and cost.
Number of coats
Two coats is standard. Strong colour changes — dark to light especially — often need three.
Paint specification
Trade Fleetwood or Dulux costs more per tin than budget paint but covers better and lasts longer, so it usually works out cheaper per year.
Woodwork and trim
Skirting, architrave, doors and window boards are slow, detailed work and are often quoted separately.
Colour changes room to room
Every extra colour means extra cutting-in, cleaning down and setting up.
How to compare painting quotes
- Ask how many coats are included — two should be the baseline.
- Ask which paint and finish will be used, by brand and product, not just "trade paint".
- Check whether ceilings, woodwork and doors are in the price or extra.
- Ask what prep is covered: filling, sanding, caulking, stain blocking.
- Get the timescale in writing, and who's actually on site each day.
- Be wary of a quote that's dramatically cheaper — it's almost always coming out of prep or coats.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to paint a house in Ireland?
For a full interior repaint of a three-bed semi expect roughly €2,500 to €4,500, and for a full exterior repaint roughly €2,500 to €6,000. The range comes down to size, ceiling heights, how much prep and filling is needed, and whether woodwork and trim are included.
How much does it cost to paint a room in Ireland?
A standard bedroom typically costs €300 to €550 for walls and ceiling in two coats. A living room runs €450 to €800, and a hallway, stairs and landing €600 to €1,200 because of the access equipment and cutting-in involved.
Do painters charge per room or per day in Ireland?
Most reputable painters quote a fixed price for the job after seeing it, which protects you from a slow day costing you money. Day rates of roughly €200 to €280 per painter exist but are usually reserved for small or open-ended work.
Is it cheaper to paint the whole house at once?
Yes, usually noticeably cheaper per room. Set-up, masking, travel and equipment are one-off costs, so doing several rooms in one visit spreads them out instead of paying them again each time.
What should be included in a painting quote?
A proper quote states the number of coats, the paint brand and finish, what prep and filling is covered, whether ceilings and woodwork are included, and how long the job will take. If a quote doesn't say, ask before comparing it against another.
Want a real number for your house?
Derek will call out, look at the actual prep involved and give you a fixed written price — free, with no obligation.