PlayDayz, a new app designed to help parents connect, arrange playdates, and share childcare within their trusted networks, has launched in Ireland.
Developed in partnership with award-winning Irish software firm Square Root Solutions, PlayDayz aims to make playdates and childcare more accessible, affordable, and community-driven.
PlayDayz app launches in Ireland
Flexible, affordable membership
PlayDayz is available exclusively in the Republic of Ireland at launch, with plans to expand soon. All new households receive a 30-day free trial, and membership is flexible with no contracts:
Standard (€0.99/month): Parent-child meetups and private playdate childcare.
Premium (€1.99/month): Includes all standard features plus a day-care share for school holidays.
How PlayDayz works
1. Parent and child meetups
Parents can connect with others nearby for one-on-one or group playdates. Whether it’s a coffee catch-up or a full day out, PlayDayz makes it easy to coordinate meetups. Parents can also add au pairs or childminders to their profile.
2. Free playdate childcare
Parents build a private network of trusted friends, family, or school parents. When they need short-term childcare – like for a gym session or appointment – they send a request. The app’s turn-based system ensures fairness, making free, reliable childcare accessible without awkwardness.
3. Day-care share for school holidays (Premium members only)
School holidays can be difficult to manage for working parents. PlayDayz helps parents coordinate shared childcare, matching them with others in their area with similar needs. A schedule is generated two weeks in advance, ensuring fair, cost-free childcare and social opportunities for children.
Safety and privacy first
New users must provide government-issued ID, verified by PlayDayz admins. Personal details are never shared, and all communication is handled via secure in-app messaging.
A community-driven solution
PlayDayz founder and busy mother, Mia Shepherd, was inspired by her own childcare challenges. “For years, I saw how difficult school holidays were for working parents… Reliable childcare in Ireland is expensive and limited. PlayDayz makes it easy for parents to share responsibilities, while also giving children more opportunities to play and socialise.”
Mia wanted to create a community-driven solution for short-term childcare while also addressing parents’ growing need for social connections.
“Since becoming a mother myself, I’ve often needed childcare for just a couple of hours… but hiring a childcarer for short stints is unrealistic and expensive. With PlayDayz, parents can take turns within their trusted network – so it’s free, fair, and easy for everyone.
“More recently, I noticed on social media a real desire for parents to meet with others nearby, but no dedicated platform exists for this purpose. So I’m hoping it gives parents a better social life too!”
Available NOW
PlayDayz is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Parents in Ireland can join the PlayDayz community and enjoy a free 30-day trial.
Follow them on Instagram; @playdayz_playdates
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For more information, visit www.playdayzplaydates.com or contact info@playdayzplaydates.com
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