Mater Private Northern Cross: Parking, Prices & Directions

Visiting a hospital for the first time can feel like navigating a maze of details – where to park, which bus to take, and what the appointment will actually cost. Mater Private Northern Cross on the Malahide Road in Dublin 17 is a Day Hospital that aims to streamline that experience, offering multiple appointments in a single visit.

Phone: 1800 12 48 16 ·
Address: Newenham House, Northern Cross, Malahide Rd, Dublin 17, D17 AY61 ·
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm ·
Day Hospital: Multiple appointments completed in one visit

Four key facts set the stage for any visit: the address, hours, and the unique Day Hospital model that condenses multiple appointments into one day.

The details are compiled below:

Where do you park at Mater Private Northern Cross?

Parking is straightforward: designated spaces behind the building are marked “Mater Private”, and on-street parking is available nearby. Some on-street spots are metered, while others offer free parking for up to three hours – always check local signage for restrictions (Mater Private Network FAQs).

Is parking free at Mater Private Northern Cross?

No – both on-site and some on-street parking incur charges. The Mater Private Network FAQs note that on-street areas may be metered. The exact on-site parking rates are not publicly listed, but standard Dublin private hospital rates apply (Mater Private Network FAQs).

How much does parking cost at Mater Private Northern Cross?

The hospital doesn’t publish specific rates, but on-street parking in the area typically runs €1-2 per hour. For the most current information, visitors should check the signage on arrival (Mater Private Network FAQs).

The implication: if you’re driving, budget at least a few euros for parking. On-street free options exist but require a bit of hunting.

Do you need a referral for the Mater Private?

A GP referral is required for X-ray, CT, and MRI services at Northern Cross (Mater Private Network Locations). Advanced Cardiac Imaging (Cardiac CT & MRI) is also referral-only and referrals can be emailed to cardiacimaging@materprivate.ie (Mater Private Network Locations).

Can I self-refer for an MRI?

Self-referral may be possible for some diagnostic imaging services, but the official policy states a GP referral is needed. Contact the day hospital directly to confirm if self-referral is accepted in your case (Mater Private Network Locations).

What if I don’t have a GP referral?

Without a GP referral, you cannot access specialist consultations or most imaging at Mater Private Northern Cross. The system is designed to ensure medical necessity is assessed first. If you don’t have a GP, consider visiting a local clinic to obtain a referral (Mater Private Network Locations).

The trade-off: the referral gate slows access slightly but ensures you receive the right test first, avoiding wasted scans.

The referral gate is a necessary hurdle to ensure proper medical assessment.

How much is an MRI in Mater Private?

MRI costs at Mater Private Northern Cross typically range from €300 to €900, depending on the body part and scan type. The exact price is set at the time of booking (Mater Private Network Locations).

How long is the waiting list for an MRI in Ireland?

Public MRI waiting lists in Ireland can stretch several weeks, but private facilities like Mater Private offer access within days. The HSE does not publish uniform wait times, but private providers guarantee faster turnaround – usually under a week for urgent referrals. (HSE Health Information provides guidance on public waits.)

Is it worth paying for a full body MRI?

A full body MRI is a comprehensive screening that can detect issues early. However, it’s not recommended for asymptomatic individuals without medical indication. The cost-benefit depends on your personal health history and risk factors (Mater Private Network Locations).

Why this matters: at €300-900, an MRI is a significant outlay, but for those with insurance or a clear medical need, the private route can shave weeks off the waiting time.

Choosing private imaging means trading upfront cost for speed.

How much is an appointment at the Mater?

Initial specialist consultations at Mater Private typically cost between €150 and €300. The fee varies by specialist and the complexity of the appointment (Mater Private Network Locations). Follow-up visits are generally lower.

What factors affect the cost of a consultation?

Consultation fees depend on the speciality (cardiology vs. orthopaedics), the seniority of the consultant, and whether the appointment is in-person or video. Out-of-pocket costs can be higher for first visits. (HSE Insurance Information outlines typical private charges.)

Does insurance cover appointment fees?

Most private health insurance plans in Ireland cover part or all of the consultation cost, depending on your policy. Check with your insurer before booking. Mater Private works with all major insurers. (Health Insurance Schemes Ireland explains cover details.)

The pattern: patients with VHI, Laya, or Irish Life Health can expect significant reimbursement; those without insurance should budget €150-300 per visit.

How to get to Mater Private Northern Cross

The address is Newenham House, Northern Cross, Malahide Rd, Dublin 17, D17 AY61 (Mater Private Network Directions). Driving is the most direct option, but public transport is feasible.

Does the Luas go near the Mater Hospital?

The nearest Luas stop is Broombridge on the Green Line. From there, you can take a bus (routes 27, 41, 41B, 41C) or a taxi for the remaining 5km. The Luas does not stop directly at the hospital. (Luas.ie official route map)

What are the best bus routes to Northern Cross?

Dublin Bus routes 27, 41, 41B, 41C, and 142 serve the Malahide Road area. The nearest bus stop is at “Malahide Road (Northern Cross)”. Check the Dublin Bus website for real-time timetables. (Dublin Bus journey planner)

For drivers: from M1 southbound, take the N32/Malahide exit, then the first exit onto R139. Continue straight, take the second exit at the roundabout, stay on R139 for 2.6km, turn left onto Malahide Rd/R107, then left onto Mayne River Avenue after 300m. From M50 northbound, take Exit 3, keep right at the roundabout and take the 2nd exit onto R139. (Mater Private Network Directions)

Using the correct sat-nav input can save a 10-minute detour.

Upsides & Downsides

The balance tips toward convenience for those with insurance and a referral.

Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear

Confirmed facts

• Address and phone are from the official site (Mater Private Network Directions)
• Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm (Mater Private Network Locations)
• Parking is available on-site in designated spaces (Mater Private Network FAQs)
• GP referral required for X-ray, CT, and MRI (Mater Private Network Locations)
• Walk-in X-ray available Mon-Fri 8am-4pm (Mater Private Network Locations)
• Advanced Cardiac Imaging is by referral only, email cardiacimaging@materprivate.ie (Mater Private Network Locations)

What’s unclear

• Exact on-site parking charges
• Specific MRI costs by body part (range only)
• Appointment wait times (no published data)
• Whether self-referral for MRI is accepted (must confirm)
• Exact consultation fees by seniority of consultant
• Insurance reimbursement amounts for different policies

What patients say about the Day Hospital

“Our Day Hospital service means multiple appointments are completed in just one day, in just one visit.”

— Mater Private Network (Golden Pages listing)

“Parking is available behind the building in designated spaces marked ‘Mater Private’. On-street parking is also available nearby, some metered, some free for up to three hours.”

— Mater Private Network FAQs (Mater Private Network FAQs)

The Day Hospital model is the key differentiator: instead of spreading appointments across weeks, Mater Private Northern Cross compresses them into a single day. For a patient with a full morning or afternoon free, that means less time off work and fewer trips.

For those planning a visit, it’s worth checking the Mater Private visiting hours rules in Dublin and Cork to ensure you arrive at the right time.

Frequently asked questions

These answers cover the practical details most visitors need.

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For a patient heading to Mater Private Northern Cross, the choice is clear: come with a GP referral, allow time for parking, and expect a streamlined Day Hospital experience. Without a referral, you’ll need to make an extra trip – so that first call to your GP is the most important step.