New Driveways Paving Ideas 2026
Fresh ideas for Paving your driveway in Dublin
In this blog we will talk about 2 of the most popular paving trends in Dublin for 2022, Resin driveways and Tarmac Driveways. Both of these driveway styles are suitable for Dublin paving and they deal with the weather in Ireland without problems. We will tell you everything that you need to know about these two driveways paving styles in this post.
Tarmac Driveways
Tarmac Driveways are a very popular choice for many looking to upgrade their driveways in Dublin & Wicklow. Tarmac is a tried and tested method for laying a driveway and produces great results that blend with any home or garden.
Tarmac is extremely versatile and can be laid at any time throughout the year and under most weather conditions which means the unpredictable Irish weather is not an issue. Tarmac driveways are by far the quickest and cleanest surfaces to lay with very little, if any disruption to the householder.
What is Tarmac?
Tarmac, short for tarmacadam, is a material that’s made when a layer of crushed stone or aggregate is coated and mixed with tar. This mixture is laid and then compacted with a vibrating roller to form a smooth surface for your driveway. Tarmac surfaces are very quick to install and laying on a driveway is very clean.
Tarmac is a versatile driveway paving material that can be shaped and layed to suit any garden or area. When utilizing former garden space it is required to remove all surface materials and excavate to a suitable sub-soil depth. After the excavation, it is possible to cover the area with a quality hardcore fill with minimum of 100-150 mm; This hardcore fill is rolled and compacted solid. To improve the aesthetic of the surface, edging kerbs are fitted around the perimeter of the drive or path area. The surface is covered with a Tarmac Base Coat which is rolled and compacted into position. A further Tarmac Asphalt is laid and rolled over the surface to complete the job.
Most areas/drives are suitable for a tarmac resurface, and the results look fantastic. As well as this, tarmac is very durable and weather resistant, making it a perfect surface for the unpredictable weather in Ireland. It is no wonder why tarmac driveways are very popular in Dublin & Wicklow.
Pros & Cons of Tarmac driveways
– Tarmac is an extremely hard wearing surface which require very little maintenance
– Tarmac driveways are long lasting and durable
– Quick drying with very little inconvenience to the householder during installation
– Tarmac is a versatile driveway design that can blend well with any type of property.
– It is possible to shape & colour tarmac to match any property and driveway design.
– Tarmac driveways are weather resistant – Perfect for the unpredictable Irish weather.
Tarmac Driveways Dublin images
We have lots of experience paving tarmac driveways in Dublin and Wicklow. View our portfolio of tarmac driveways images.
Resin Bound Driveways
Resin Bound driveways are the most popular driveways design in Dublin for 2022. Kilcroney Paving Ltd. is the number 1 resin driveways paving specialist in Dublin. There are many benefits to resin bound driveways, not least that they look absolutely fantastic and will bring a smile to your face every time you see it on the way in or out of your home.
There are 2 types of Resin driveways, so it is important to know what type you are getting.
1) Resin Bound Driveways
Resin Bound Driveways are a combination of aggregate stones and resin which are used to pave driveways, pathways, patios, footpaths and more. This material is permeable, and comes in multiple colours which can really make your driveway unique. Resin bound is a flexible surfacing material which is highly resistant to cracking. Resin bound driveways are permeable and ensure SUDs (sustainable urban drainage system), compliance removing the needs for linear drains and soakaways.
2) Resin Bonded Driveways
The Resin Bonded method is a non porous install method that is sometimes referred to as scatter system. With resin bonded driveway, a layer of resin is first applied to the install base and then the aggregate is scattered on top. After the resin has been fully cured the remaining loose stones are removed to complete the driveway.
The Bottom Line
At Kilcroney Paving we believe that the Resin Bound method is better because the entire stone aggregate is covered in Resin as opposed to the Bonded method where only the bottom of the stone is in contact with the resin. With the resin bonded installation there is potential for the stone to become loose over time.
The benefits of a Resin Bound Driveway:
• Resin Bound Driveways look fantastic
• There’s low maintenance
• There’s a wide variety of colours to choose from
• There is a quick set time – you can use your driveway as normal 24 hours after installation
• No Weeds will grow
• It is frost resistant
• It is Eco Friendly compared with other materials
• It is suitable to lay over an existing base
• There’s no excavation required
• You won’t need planning permission
• Resin Bound driveways are very durable
Gravel Driveways & Concrete Driveways in Dublin
In addition to tarmac and resin, Kilcroney Paving offers two more practical and popular driveway options for homes across Dublin and Wicklow: Gravel Driveways and Concrete Driveways. These suit different budgets, styles, and site needs: from rustic natural looks to solid, long-lasting surfaces.
Gravel Driveways
Gravel (also called loose stone or chippings) provides a classic, affordable, and highly permeable driveway that blends naturally with Irish gardens and rural properties. Popular choices include pea gravel, crushed granite, or decorative aggregates in various colours and sizes (10–20mm typical).
Key Benefits:
- Extremely cost-effective, often the lowest upfront cost option.
- Excellent natural drainage: fully permeable and SUDS-compliant, preventing puddles and flooding in wet Irish weather.
- Quick installation with minimal disruption (usually 1–3 days).
- Rustic, timeless aesthetic that enhances kerb appeal.
- Eco-friendly and easy to repair or reshape.
- Customisable with different stones, borders, or edging for added style.
Installation Overview:
- Excavate and prepare a stable sub-base (compacted hardcore)
- lay weed-suppressing membrane
- install edging/kerbs
- then spread and compact gravel layers (50–100mm depth).
- Ready for use almost immediately.
Concrete Driveways
Concrete driveways deliver a strong, modern, and low-maintenance surface ideal for heavy use, flat sites, or contemporary homes in Dublin. Options include plain poured concrete, imprinted/stamped patterns, or exposed aggregate for texture and slip resistance.
Key Benefits:
- Extremely durable — lasts 20–30+ years with proper installation.
- Low maintenance — resistant to weeds, oil stains (with sealing), and heavy traffic.
- Smooth, level finish that’s easy to clean and walk/drive on.
- Versatile designs — plain, coloured, stamped, or textured to match your property.
- Good value for long-term performance in Ireland’s variable climate.
Installation Overview:
- Excavate to required depth
- install reinforced sub-base, add formwork, pour and level concrete (often with mesh/rebar for strength)
- then finish (broom, stamp, or expose aggregate).
- Curing takes a few days before vehicle use.
Whether you prefer the natural charm of gravel or the solid reliability of concrete, Kilcroney Paving has the experience to deliver high-quality results. We handle site preparation, drainage, and custom designs to suit your Dublin or Wicklow property.
Contact Kilcroney Paving Ltd. If you would like to enquire about your driveway, Contact Thomas on 087 797 8815.