Mobile App Development Cost in Ireland in 2025: A Complete Breakdown for Businesses

What Does It Really Cost to Build an App in Ireland?

If you're running a business in Ireland right now, you’ve probably felt the pull—“Should we build an app?” It's no longer a luxury or a bragging right. It’s a necessity.

In my experience helping Irish startups and SMEs with digital strategy, this is the first big question they ask: "How much does mobile app development cost in Ireland in 2025?" And honestly? There's no one-size-fits-all answer. It could be €8,000. It could be €80,000. It all depends.

But here’s the good news—this blog breaks it all down. I’ll walk you through pricing factors, different types of apps (yes, ecommerce too), cost calculators, what local developers charge, and even unexpected expenses most people miss. Whether you’re a tech-savvy founder or just starting out, this is written with you in mind.

So grab a coffee. This is the kind of read that could save—or cost—you thousands.

Why App Development Cost Matters More Than Ever

Let’s be clear: developing a mobile app isn’t just a cost. It’s an investment. And like any investment, you need to understand the risk, the reward, and the long-term value.

In Ireland, especially after 2020, digital transformation went from optional to urgent. SMEs in Galway, tech startups in Dublin, even tourism platforms in rural Kerry—everyone began asking the same thing: how can we use tech to grow, serve better, and stay competitive?

Apps became part of that answer. But building one without understanding the cost breakdown? That’s a recipe for waste. I’ve seen businesses overspend because they didn’t know where the real costs lie—or worse, underspend and end up with a broken app no one uses.

In 2025, the cost of mobile app development in Ireland includes more than coding. It's:

• UI/UX design that matches your brand.

• GDPR compliance to avoid legal trouble.

• A cloud backend that scales with your user base.

• Ongoing updates so your app doesn’t get outdated by Q4.

Still with me? Let’s get into what exactly you’re paying for.

Understanding Mobile App Development Cost in Ireland: The Breakdown

What’s Included in the Cost of Mobile App Development?

You’d be surprised how many people think building an app is just about hiring a coder. But app development is more like building a house. You need:

• An architect (aka UI/UX designer)

• A builder (your dev team)

• Inspectors (QA testers)

• A maintenance guy (post-launch support)

Here’s the full mobile app development cost breakdown most businesses should expect in Ireland:

Phase	Average Cost Range (€)	Description
Discovery & Planning	1,000–5,000	Business goals, market research, feature list
UI/UX Design	2,000–8,000	Wireframes, user journeys, visual design
Frontend & Backend Development	5,000–40,000	App functionality, APIs, server setup
QA Testing & Debugging	1,000–5,000	Manual and automated testing
Deployment	500–2,000	Submission to Apple/Google stores
Maintenance & Updates (Yearly)	2,000–10,000	Bug fixes, OS updates, new features

So yes, when someone asks “how much does it cost to develop a mobile app in Ireland?” the answer really is: it depends on what kind of house you're building.

Get Your App Done

Types of Mobile Apps and Their Costing

1. Native Apps (Android or iOS)

These apps are built specifically for either Android or iOS. They’re fast, smooth, and perfect if performance is a priority. But they’re also more expensive because each platform requires its own codebase.

Typical cost in Ireland: €20,000–€60,000 (per platform)

From my work with Irish healthcare startups, we’ve seen native apps perform better when speed and data security are top priorities.

2. Hybrid Apps

Hybrid apps use a single codebase for both iOS and Android. They're quicker and cheaper to develop—but may sacrifice performance or access to platform-specific features.

Typical cost: €12,000–€30,000

Hybrid development is rising in Ireland, especially among small ecommerce brands and internal business apps.

3. Ecommerce Apps

Want to build the next Amazon or a small boutique shopping experience? Ecommerce mobile app development costs more due to:

• Payment gateway integration

• Inventory sync

• User profiles

• Cart & checkout functionality

Typical cost in Ireland: €15,000–€50,000

One Cork-based retailer we worked with tripled their monthly orders within 6 months of launching their custom ecommerce app.

4. Custom Enterprise Apps

These are big, complex apps tailored for internal teams or specific workflows—like a sales tracker or a field service reporting tool.

Cost range: €25,000–€100,000+

Factors That Affect Mobile App Development Costs

Let’s talk about the “why” behind those price tags. Here’s what actually affects the average cost to develop an app in 2025:

1. App Complexity

The more features, the higher the cost. Think:

• Basic app (info, contact form): ~€8,000–€15,000

• Mid-level app (logins, dashboards): ~€20,000–€40,000

• Advanced app (real-time features, APIs): €50,000+

2. Platform (Android, iOS, or Both)

Native costs more. Cross-platform (like React Native or Flutter) can cut cost by ~30%—but not always ideal for high-performance needs.

3. Developer Type

• Freelancer: cheaper, but often slower or riskier

• Offshore agency (e.g., India): cost-effective but needs vetting

• Irish app agency: higher cost, but better control and local compliance

4. UI/UX Design

This is one area Irish businesses underestimate. Good design reduces user churn—and costs money upfront.

5. Integrations

Each third-party integration (Stripe, Firebase, Google Maps) adds cost—typically €500–€3,000 per service.

6. Maintenance & Hosting

Apps aren't "set and forget." You’ll need updates for:

• OS upgrades (iOS 18, Android 15, etc.)

• Security patches

• New features as your business grows

Budget 15–20% of initial cost annually.

Get Your App Done

How to Calculate Mobile App Development Cost in Ireland

When clients ask me how to calculate the cost for mobile app development, I usually say this: it’s like planning a wedding. You start with a vision, pick your must-haves, factor in the extras, and always—always—plan for surprises.

Here’s a step-by-step way to estimate your cost smartly.

Step 1: Define the Type of App

Ask yourself:

• Is it Android, iOS, or both?

• Is it native or hybrid?

• Will it need login, payments, chat, or real-time features?

Example:

A basic iOS-only info app with static content might cost ~€8,000, while a hybrid app with user logins, payments, and analytics could easily reach €30,000+.

Step 2: Break Down Features

Use a simple spreadsheet. List every feature your app needs.

Feature	Est. Time	Est. Cost (avg €50/hr)
User login	20 hrs	€1,000
Product catalog	40 hrs	€2,000
Payment gateway	30 hrs	€1,500
Push notifications	15 hrs	€750
Admin dashboard	50 hrs	€2,500

Step 3: Add Design & Testing

Don't skip these:

• UI/UX Design: ~10–25% of total dev cost

• QA Testing: ~15% of dev time

If your dev estimate is €20,000, add ~€6,000 for design and testing.

Step 4: Include Ongoing Costs

This is where most first-timers stumble. Ongoing costs include:

• Hosting (€20–€100/month)

• Maintenance (updates, bug fixes)

• Customer support

Annual maintenance is typically 15–20% of the total build cost.

Popular Pricing Models in Ireland (And Which One You Should Choose)

There’s no single pricing model that fits all, and I’ve seen founders get tripped up by not knowing which to pick.

1. Fixed Cost Model

Best for: Simple, well-defined projects

Pros:

• Clear budget

• Predictable timeline

• 
  

Cons:

• Rigid scope (scope changes = extra charges)

We used this model for a food-ordering app with just 6 screens and no third-party integration. Quick. Clean. Done in 4 weeks.

2. Time & Material Model

Best for: Evolving products or MVPs

Pros:

• Flexibility to add/change features

• You pay only for hours worked

Cons:

• Hard to predict final cost

I prefer this model when clients want to iterate based on feedback. Start lean, then scale.

3. Milestone-Based Pricing

Best for: Long-term or complex custom app development in Ireland

Pros:

• Pay in parts as work is delivered

• Easy to pause or pivot

Cons:

• Slightly more overhead to track phases

Get Your App Done

Real Examples of Mobile App Development Costs in Ireland (2025)

Sometimes, the best way to understand pricing is through stories. Here are a few from my own experience:

Case 1: Boutique Ecommerce Store in Limerick

• Platform: Hybrid app (Flutter)

• Features: Catalog, cart, Stripe checkout, coupon system

• Timeline: 2.5 months

• Final Cost: €21,500

The app helped them double sales from mobile in 6 months.

Case 2: Event Booking App in Dublin

• Platform: iOS native

• Features: Calendar sync, ticket QR code, payment gateway, email reminders

• Timeline: 3 months

• Final Cost: €38,000

They later added an Android version, bringing total cost close to €70,000.

Case 3: Internal Field Service App for Galway Construction Firm

• Platform: Android-only native

• Features: Offline mode, GPS check-in, image upload, report sync

• Timeline: 5 months

• Final Cost: €46,000

This app replaced hours of paperwork and reduced delays by 40%.

What You’re Really Paying for When You Build an App in Ireland

So here we are. You came in asking the big one: “How much does mobile app development cost in Ireland in 2025?” And hopefully, you’re leaving with more than just a number — you’ve got the whole story.

Let’s recap quickly:

• The average cost of mobile app development in Ireland this year ranges from €8,000 to €100,000+, depending on your app’s complexity, platform, and who you hire.

• You're not just paying for code. You're paying for design, user experience, testing, ongoing updates, and peace of mind.

• Hybrid apps can be more budget-friendly, but native apps often deliver better performance — so choose based on your audience and goals.

• The pricing model you pick (fixed, milestone, hourly) should match your project style and risk appetite.

• And finally, whether you’re a startup founder in Dublin, a retailer in Galway, or an SME in Cork — this isn’t just an expense. It’s a strategic investment.

Real Talk: Your App Doesn’t Have to Be Big. It Just Has to Work.

In my years of building and advising on mobile apps, I’ve seen the small, lean, purpose-driven apps outperform flashy, bloated ones. The goal is to launch with just enough — and evolve based on real user feedback.

And if you're still unsure where to start or how much your specific app might cost, that’s okay too. No calculators, no commitment. Just real talk.

Let’s Talk About Your App Idea (No Sales Pitch, Promise)

I’ve helped Irish founders, ecommerce store owners, and even government-funded orgs plan their mobile apps — and I’d love to hear about yours.

Drop us a line at hello@dotit.io

Get Your App Done

You don’t need all the answers yet. You just need to start asking the right questions — and that’s what we’re here for.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to build an app in Ireland?

On average in 2025, expect to pay:

• Simple app: €8,000–€15,000

• Mid-range: €20,000–€40,000

• Advanced: €50,000+

What’s the cheapest way to develop a mobile app?

Is it better to use an Irish agency or offshore developers?

What’s the average ecommerce mobile app development cost?

Native vs Hybrid: Which is cheaper in Ireland?

Can I use a mobile app cost estimator?