Catering in South Dublin
Compare local caterer pros in South Dublin and get free quotes — no obligation, no call-backs you didn't ask for.
Typical price: €1,300–€24,000
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Catering prices in South Dublin
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finger buffet (50 guests) Cold/hot buffet, light staffing | €1,300 | €2,200 | €3,800 |
| Plated dinner (50 guests) Served plated meal with staff | €3,000 | €5,000 | €8,500 |
| Full wedding catering (100 guests) Full-service with staff, hire and bar | €6,500 | €12,000 | €24,000 |
How to hire a catering pro in Ireland
- Confirm HSE/FSAI food-business registration and hygiene compliance
- Get an itemized quote: per-head food, staff, hire, service, travel
- Ask about a tasting for weddings/large events
- Confirm public liability insurance and allergen management
- Collect and share guest dietary/allergy needs in advance
- Confirm the service-charge policy in writing
Irish caterers must be registered with the HSE/FSAI and follow food-hygiene and allergen-declaration rules (EU FIC). A service charge may be added; confirm whether it's included in the per-head figure.
Budgeting first?
See the full breakdown of what drives catering prices — job sizes, unit rates, and how to save.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a good caterer near me in South Dublin?
In South Dublin, get quotes from three caterers with a written per-head and staffing breakdown, check food-hygiene registration and reviews, and do a tasting for bigger events. Compare on total cost per guest including staff and hire, not the headline food price.
How much is catering in South Dublin?
In South Dublin, expect the national typical per head for your service style, with plated service, premium menus and full staffing pushing the total up. Ask whether the quote includes staff, hire, service charge and travel, not just food.
Buffet or plated — which should I choose?
Buffet is cheaper, more flexible on dietary needs, and needs fewer servers; plated service is more formal, controls portions and timing, and suits sit-down weddings and galas. Plated costs more in both food precision and staff. Match it to the event's formality and budget.
Do caterers handle dietary requirements and allergies?
Professionals do — collect guest dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) in advance and give them to the caterer, who should label dishes and manage cross-contamination. Allergen management is a legal duty for food businesses in many countries; ask how they handle it.
Is a service charge or gratuity expected?
Many caterers add a service charge (often 15-22%) covering staff; confirm whether it's included or extra, and whether it goes to the team. Where a service charge is applied, an additional tip is usually optional. Clarify this before signing to avoid a surprise on the final invoice.
How much does catering cost per person?
Caterers price per head, and the service style drives it: a drop-off or finger buffet is cheapest, a served buffet mid-range, and a plated multi-course dinner the most. Staffing, bar service, hire (crockery, linen) and travel are usually on top of the per-head food price.
What's included in a catering quote?
Look for: per-head food price, service style, staff (chefs, servers) and hours, equipment hire (crockery, glassware, linen, chafing dishes), setup and clear-down, travel, and any bar or drinks package. A per-head number alone hides staffing and hire costs that can rival the food.
What does wedding catering cost per head in Ireland?
Buffet service runs roughly €25-40 per head and plated wedding meals €60-140, before staff and hire. A 100-guest wedding with staff commonly totals €6,500-24,000.
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