How much does locksmith cost in Ireland?
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Key takeaways
- Most locksmith jobs in Ireland land between €70–€450 — known locally as locksmith.
- Ireland is one of the few countries where locksmiths are statutorily licensed: since 2016 the Private Security Authority (PSA) licenses locksmiths, and hiring an unlicensed one is illegal for the provider. Always ask for the PSA licence number — it is the single strongest consumer protection in the Irish market.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Locksmith prices by job size in Ireland
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home lockout (daytime, non-destructive) Gaining entry to a standard door without damage | €80 | €120 | €190 |
| Euro cylinder / lock change (per lock) Replacement including mid-range anti-snap cylinder | €70 | €110 | €170 |
| uPVC multipoint mechanism repair Gearbox or strip replacement on uPVC/composite door | €100 | €150 | €240 |
| Out-of-hours emergency lockout Evenings, weekends, holidays, all-in | €120 | €180 | €300 |
| Smart / keyless lock installation Fitting and setup, hardware extra at upper end | €150 | €250 | €450 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| call-out fee (daytime) | €50 | €70 | €110 |
| per hour (labour) | €60 | €80 | €120 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Ireland typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a locksmith pro in Ireland
- Verify the PSA licence — locksmiths in Ireland are legally required to be licensed by the Private Security Authority; ask for the licence number and check it
- Get the all-in quote by phone: call-out fee, labour, parts, VAT, after-hours surcharge
- Ask for non-destructive entry first on lockouts
- Have photo ID with your address ready
- For uPVC doors (very common in Ireland), confirm multipoint mechanism experience
- Prefer locksmiths with a verifiable Irish address and recent local reviews over ad-driven call numbers
Red flags
- No PSA licence number — unlicensed locksmithing is an offence in Ireland
- Bait pricing that balloons after drilling
- Immediate drilling of a standard cylinder
- No VAT invoice offered
- Untraceable mobile-only operation
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to EUR, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: Extrapolated from UK Checkatrade/MLA rates with Irish price levels; PSA (Private Security Authority) licensing regime.
Frequently asked questions
Should I rekey or replace locks after moving into a new home?
Yes, always do one or the other — you have no idea how many key copies previous owners, tenants, agents, or tradespeople hold. Rekeying every exterior lock is the cheapest route if the hardware is in good shape. Replace instead if locks are worn, cheap, or you want to upgrade security or move to keyed-alike convenience (one key for all doors).
Can locksmiths install smart locks?
Most residential locksmiths now fit smart and keypad locks and can advise which models fit your door and existing cylinder or deadbolt prep. Installation on a standard door is quick; expect extra cost if the door needs fresh drilling or the smart lock must integrate with an existing high-security cylinder. Ask whether the quote covers setup and pairing, not just physical fitting.
How long does a lock change take?
A straightforward like-for-like swap takes 15-30 minutes per lock. Rekeying is similar. Allow longer for upgrading to a different lock type (fresh door prep), multipoint mechanisms on uPVC doors, or smart lock installs with setup — those can take 45-90 minutes. A full house rekey of 3-5 locks is typically an hour or two.
What should be included in a locksmith quote?
Four things: the call-out/travel fee (and whether it is waived if you proceed), labour for the specific job, parts at stated prices, and any after-hours surcharge. Get it before dispatch, ideally by text or email. On arrival, confirm the price still stands before work starts. Reputable locksmiths quote firm prices for standard jobs; vague 'from' pricing that firms up only after the door is open is the pattern to avoid.
How much does a locksmith cost?
Locksmith pricing has three parts: a call-out or trip fee, labour for the job itself, and parts (new locks, cylinders, or keys). Simple jobs like a lockout or single lock change are usually quoted as a flat rate. Time of day matters most — evening, weekend, and holiday call-outs typically cost 50-100% more than business hours. Always get the all-in price by phone before the locksmith is dispatched.
How do I check an Irish locksmith's PSA licence?
Ask for their PSA licence number and check it against the Private Security Authority's public register of licensed contractors. Operating as a locksmith without a PSA licence is an offence in Ireland, so a legitimate locksmith will volunteer the number readily — hesitation is disqualifying.
What does an emergency locksmith cost in Ireland?
Daytime call-outs typically run €50-€110, a standard daytime lockout €80-€190 all-in, and out-of-hours emergencies commonly €120-€300. Dublin prices sit at the top of the range. Get the total price and PSA number in the same phone call before dispatch.
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