Tattoo Prices in Ireland

What a starting price means

A starting price covers the simplest work within that service. I confirm the final quote after reviewing your project. The studio minimum does not mean that every small tattoo costs €50: a simple small tattoo usually costs €50 to €70 and takes about one hour. New drawing, dense detail, a difficult placement or extra setup can put a small tattoo above that range.

For a compact, simple design, the small tattoo cost guide explains those differences. A project wrapping part of the arm needs a different plan; the half-sleeve cost guide covers that scope. The full-day session cost guide explains when a longer appointment suits the work.

What changes the final quote

Small pieces packed with detail can take longer than large, simple ones. Lettering, fine texture, repeating patterns and layered shading all need enough space. Making the design smaller does not always make it quicker. I may simplify secondary details so the tattoo can work at the chosen size.

Placement affects the stencil and how steadily I can work on the area. Ribs, hands, joints and moving skin need different planning from a flatter area. Moving the same drawing to another body part can change its layout or the number of sessions.

Blackwork, detailed Realism and colour work need different amounts of drawing and tattooing time. Scars, old pigment and existing lines also need assessment. I split a large project into sessions when the design, skin or amount of work makes that more suitable.

What the quoted price includes

The quote covers the agreed design work, reference and placement checks, stencil preparation, the tattoo and an aftercare explanation. Sterile setup, single-use needles and cartridges, protective covers and barrier materials are included for every appointment.

If you change the idea after the quote, I explain any price difference before revising it. Increasing the size, adding a subject, changing a simple black design to detailed colour or expanding the project to several sessions can change the work involved. Drawing for the agreed design is already included.

I normally quote the whole piece or the agreed session, rather than charge by the hour. Large projects are planned and priced by stage. We agree the format and price before I hold the date.

What I need for an exact tattoo price

Include these details with your enquiry so I can assess the work:

• The subject and the important elements you want to keep.
• The exact body area and side of the body.
• Approximate width and height in centimetres.
• Two or three references, with a note about what you like in each.
• A clear placement photo in normal light. For existing ink, scars or pigment, include a close view and a wider view without filters.
• Black and grey or colour.
• Your budget, if you have a firm limit.

If those choices are clear, I can send an exact quote. If one is still open, I may give a small price range and explain what needs confirming. A free project consultation can help when the idea or placement is uncertain, or the work may need several sessions. You do not need finished artwork to begin.

Deposits and payment

The booking form sends your project for review. It does not take payment or reserve a date: online card payments and Stripe deposits are not active on this website.

The tattoo deposit is 50% of the agreed price. I request it after we agree the brief and quote. It holds the date and design work and comes off the final balance. I send the payment method and cancellation or rescheduling terms in writing before you pay. Use only payment details I have confirmed directly with you.

The CCPC deposit guidance explains that paying a deposit creates a contract. Confirm the service, deposit, balance, date and refund conditions in writing, and keep the receipt. A change of mind does not generally entitle a customer to a refund unless the agreed terms allow one. If the business cannot provide the agreed service, the customer can ask for the deposit back.

Paid services must also be provided with reasonable care and skill and match what was agreed. These are general signposts, not legal advice about a particular booking; use the CCPC guidance for your situation.

Why a Cover-Up needs its own assessment

The darkness, colours and density of the old ink, scars, free skin around it and the new subject affect the plan. A new design may need to be larger to cover the old edges while leaving room for the main subject. Very dark pigment may need partial lightening first.

The Cover-Up assessment determines whether the work can be covered directly and how many sessions may be needed. A starting price is not a promise that every old tattoo can be covered in one sitting.

Working within a budget

With a firm budget, we can discuss simplifying secondary details, changing the size or planning a larger tattoo in stages. I keep the main idea where possible, but the design still needs enough room for its detail. These are changes to the agreed work, not a promise to complete the same project for less.

Compare the detail and finish in my completed tattoo portfolio, then send your idea for a quote.