Block paving is the most requested driveway surface in Ireland, and also one of the most variable in price. A basic two-car driveway can cost €3,500 or €8,000 depending on the block choice, base depth, drainage requirements and the contractor you hire. This guide breaks down exactly what you are paying for.
All prices below reflect full-specification work in the Bray and Wicklow area in 2026 — excavation, Clause 804 hardcore base, edging, laying and finishing included. Quotes that come in significantly below these ranges are almost always cutting the base depth or the edge restraints.
Block paving price per m² in Ireland
Standard 50mm concrete block paving in a herringbone pattern runs from €75 to €120 per m² for a full-specification job including excavation and base. Tumbled or cobble-effect blocks cost €90–€125 per m². Permeable block paving runs €95–€130 per m².
These per-m² figures assume a straightforward rectangular driveway with reasonable vehicle access. Awkward shapes, narrow side passages, mature trees with surface roots, or difficult access all add to the cost. A site visit and written quote is the only reliable way to price your specific job.
- Standard 50mm block (herringbone): €75–€120 per m²
- Tumbled / cobble-effect block: €90–€125 per m²
- Permeable block paving: €95–€130 per m²
- Granite kerb edging: €40–€60 per linear metre
| Job type | Area | Typical cost range |
|---|---|---|
| Single-car driveway, standard block | 25–35 m² | €2,500–€4,200 |
| Two-car driveway, standard block | 45–55 m² | €4,500–€6,500 |
| Two-car driveway, tumbled block | 45–55 m² | €5,500–€7,500 |
| Large driveway, premium block + granite kerbs | 70–80 m² | €7,500–€10,000 |
Typical full-driveway costs in Ireland
Most Irish driveways fall between 30 m² and 80 m². A typical two-car driveway of 45–55 m² in standard block paving costs €4,500–€6,500 fully installed. A larger 70 m² drive in tumbled block with granite kerbing would run €7,500–€9,500.
These figures include everything: excavation, geotextile membrane, Clause 804 hardcore, screeded sand bed, block laying, edge restraints, kiln-dried jointing sand and final compaction. They do not include dropped kerb works (typically €800–€1,500 through a contractor).
What drives the price up or down
The single biggest cost variable is whether a new base is needed. If your existing driveway has a sound, well-compacted base, an overlay or relay saves significant excavation cost. If the ground is soft or the existing base is thin, full excavation is unavoidable.
Block choice is the second biggest variable. The difference between a standard and a premium tumbled block is €15–€20 per m² in material cost alone — on a 50 m² driveway that adds €750–€1,000 to the total.
- New full-depth base required: adds €20–€35 per m²
- Premium block choice: adds €15–€25 per m²
- Soakaway installation: €400–€900 depending on depth
- ACO channel drainage: €60–€100 per linear metre installed
- Dropped kerb licence: €800–€1,500 through contractor
How to compare block paving quotes in Ireland
A written quote for block paving should specify: the excavation depth, the hardcore specification, the block manufacturer and product name, the laying pattern, the edge restraint type, and what happens to the spoil. If any of these are missing, ask for them in writing before signing anything.
Be wary of quotes that arrive without a site visit. No contractor can accurately price a driveway without measuring it and assessing the ground conditions, access, and drainage.