Start with your GP
A GP is the best first step. They will ask what happens, when, and how quickly, which tells them more than any test. If your hay fever clearly follows the pollen season, you may not need a test at all and can start treatment straight away.
Many GPs can order a blood test for specific allergies, and some do skin prick tests in the surgery. Your GP can also refer you to a public allergy clinic or a private specialist. A GP visit usually costs around €60 to €80, and is free with a medical card or GP visit card.
The main tests
| Test | What happens | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Skin prick test | Drops of allergen go on your forearm and the skin is pricked through each one. Results in about 15 minutes. | Pollen, dust mites, pets, mould and many foods |
| Blood test (specific IgE) | An ordinary blood sample, sent to a lab. Results in a few days. | When skin testing isn’t suitable, for example with bad eczema or if you can’t stop antihistamines |
| Patch test | Patches stay on your back for two days and are read over several visits. | Skin reactions to metals, fragrances, hair dye and other things you touch |
| Food challenge | You eat small, increasing amounts of a food under supervision in hospital. | Confirming or ruling out a food allergy when other tests are unclear |
What the results mean
A positive test shows that your immune system makes antibodies to something. It doesn’t prove that thing causes your symptoms: plenty of people test positive to grass pollen or a food and never react to it. That is why a doctor should read the results alongside what actually happens to you, and why testing a long list of allergens “just to see” often causes more confusion than it solves.
Before a skin prick test
- Stop antihistamines for a few days before, as the clinic tells you. They block the result.
- Keep using steroid nasal sprays and asthma inhalers unless you are told otherwise.
- Bring a list of the medicines you take, and notes on when your symptoms happen.
- Testing is done where a reaction can be treated, because there is a very small risk of a serious reaction.
Public or private
Public allergy services run through hospital clinics, and children are seen at paediatric allergy clinics such as those run by Children’s Health Ireland. You need a referral from your GP, and waits can be long. The National Treatment Purchase Fund publishes current waiting lists.
Private allergy clinics can often see you within weeks, and some don’t need a referral. Check with your health insurer before you book: many plans cover part of a consultant visit and tests, but not all.
You can claim tax relief at 20% on medical costs that insurance doesn’t cover, including doctor and consultant fees and tests, through Revenue.
Typical private costs
From Irish clinics’ published prices in October 2026. Prices vary a lot, so ask what is included before you book.
| Typical price | |
|---|---|
| GP visit | €60 to €80 |
| Allergy consultant visit | €120 to €180 |
| Skin prick test | €180 to €350, sometimes including the consultation |
| Blood test for one allergen | From about €60 |
| Blood test for a large panel | €360 to €425 |
| Patch test | €150 to €550, over several visits |
Food intolerance tests
Food intolerance tests sold online, in some shops and by some therapists usually measure a type of antibody called IgG. IgG shows that you have eaten a food, not that it makes you unwell. In 2018 the Health Products Regulatory Authority warned that no single test can diagnose food intolerance, and advised people not to cut foods from their diet based on these kits. The HSE says tests such as kinesiology, hair analysis and vega testing should be avoided.
If you think a food disagrees with you, see your GP. The reliable way to find a food intolerance is an elimination diet, guided by a dietitian.
Find testing near you
Our directory lists GPs who do allergy testing, private allergy clinics and hospital allergy services in all 32 counties, with phone numbers and websites.
Questions
How much is an allergy test in Ireland?
Privately, a skin prick test costs about €180 to €350, often including the doctor’s consultation. A blood test for one allergen starts at about €60. Many health insurance plans cover part of the cost, and you can claim 20% tax relief on what they don’t.
Do GPs do allergy testing in Ireland?
Many GPs can order a blood test for specific allergies, and some do skin prick tests in the surgery. They can also refer you to a public allergy clinic or a private specialist.
Can I get an allergy test without a GP referral?
Some private allergy clinics will see you without a referral. Public hospital allergy clinics need a referral from your GP.
Are food intolerance tests accurate?
No. Most measure IgG antibodies, which show you have eaten a food, not that it causes symptoms. Ireland’s medicines regulator advises people not to rely on them.
Do I need an allergy test for hay fever?
Often not. If your symptoms clearly follow the pollen season, a pharmacist or GP can suggest treatment straight away. A test helps if your symptoms are year round or severe, or if you are thinking about immunotherapy.
This is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about symptoms, talk to your pharmacist or GP.
Further reading
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