Tarmac Driveways Dublin — Black, Red and Tar & Chip
Clean, fast-draining tarmac driveways in black, red or tar-and-chip finish. Built to last.
Tarmac is the fastest-installed driveway surface and, done properly, one of the most durable. A well-laid tarmac driveway on a solid sub-base will handle 20–30 years of Irish weather, heavy vehicles, and daily use without complaint. The key word is "properly" — which means a compacted sub-base, correctly graded falls for drainage, and the right asphalt mix for the application.
At Driveways and Patios we've been laying tarmac across Dublin and the surrounding counties for over 15 years. We offer standard black tarmac, red tarmac (which uses red aggregate for a warmer appearance), and tar-and-chip (also called spray and chip) for a more textured, non-slip finish. We don't cut corners on sub-base depth, and we don't use recycled tarmac on domestic driveways — the mix quality matters.
We survey every job, assess the existing surface and drainage, and give you a written quote within 24 hours. No deposit, no estimate — a real price for your real job.
How Long Does a Tarmac Driveway Last?
A tarmac driveway laid on a proper sub-base will give 20 to 30 years of service in Ireland. As with every driveway surface, the groundwork decides the outcome. We excavate to the right depth, install and compact a MOT Type 1 sub-base, add a binder course where the loading requires it, and finish with a hot-laid wearing course rolled while still hot. A tarmac drive laid straight onto soil or an old cracked surface will fail quickly no matter how good the top looks on day one.
Tarmac is the fastest surface to install — most residential driveways are completed in a day or two — which makes it the practical choice when you need the driveway back in use quickly.
Looking After a Tarmac Driveway
Tarmac is genuinely low-maintenance. Keep it clear of standing water, deal with weeds at the edges, and avoid turning the steering wheel of a heavy car while stationary, which can scuff a new surface in warm weather. Sealing a tarmac driveway every few years restores the deep black colour, protects against fuel and oil spills, and extends its life.
The most common repairs we carry out are edge crumbling and small potholes, both of which are straightforward to patch when caught early. Left unaddressed, water gets into the base and the damage spreads.
Tarmac Colours and Finishes
Standard tarmac is black, but red tarmac (often used for borders, contrasts or kerb appeal) and tar-and-chip — where decorative stone chippings are rolled into the bitumen for a rustic, textured finish — are both popular in Dublin. Tar-and-chip in particular suits older and rural-style properties and offers better grip on sloped driveways. We'll walk you through the options at the site survey and recommend the finish that suits your property and budget.
Materials and Options
Standard black tarmac
AC10 dense bitumen macadam wearing course on a compacted base course. The workhorse of residential driveways. Clean, professional appearance. Slightly smooth finish.
Red tarmac
The same macadam mix with a red-oxide pigment and red aggregate. Popular in areas where homeowners want a warmer look than standard black. Fades slightly over time but retains the colour well.
Tar and chip (spray and chip)
Bitumen is applied to a prepared base and then gravel or chipping is rolled in. Produces a textured, non-slip surface that drains well. Good for driveways with gradients. The chip colour can be chosen to give a golden, grey or mixed appearance.
Our Installation Process
- 1
Site survey and assessment
We inspect the existing surface, assess the sub-base condition, check drainage falls, and measure the area. We'll also identify any soft spots or drainage issues that need addressing.
- 2
Excavation
The existing surface is broken out and removed. We excavate to the correct depth — typically 150–200mm — for the sub-base.
- 3
Sub-base installation
MOT Type 1 crushed stone is laid and compacted in layers using a vibrating roller or plate compactor. This is the foundation that everything else sits on. We don't rush this step.
- 4
Base course (if required)
On driveways with heavy use or soft ground, a 50mm base course of binder macadam is laid and compacted before the wearing course. This adds rigidity and longevity.
- 5
Wearing course and edging
The finish course of tarmac is laid to the correct depth (typically 30–40mm), raked to the required falls for drainage, and compacted with a roller. Edging blocks or kerbs are installed to contain the edges.
- 6
Handover
Site cleaned up, all waste removed. The new surface needs 24–48 hours to cool and set before you drive on it. We'll advise on care and maintenance and hand over the written guarantee.
Project Photos
What Affects the Cost of Tarmac Driveways?
Every tarmac project is different. These are the main factors that influence the cost of your installation — the only way to get an accurate price for your specific job is a free site survey.
- Project size (sqm)
- Existing surface removal
- Sub-base depth and condition
- Number of tarmac layers required (base course + wearing course)
- Finish type (black, red, tar-and-chip)
- Drainage requirements
- Edging and kerbing specification
- Access for machinery (narrow passages restrict plant size)
- Ground gradient (sloped driveways require more precise grading)
We don't publish fixed prices because they'd be misleading. We offer a free site survey and written quote within 24 hours — covering every element, no hidden extras.
Quick Facts
- Typical Time
- 1–2 days for most domestic driveways
- Lifespan
- 20–30 years with proper installation
- Guarantee
- Written workmanship guarantee
- Materials
- AC10 wearing course, MOT Type 1 sub-base
- Areas
- Dublin and commuter counties
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Free site survey · Written quote within 24 hours · No deposit
Request a QuoteOr call +353 87 603 1203Related Services
Tarmac Driveways in Dublin — Areas We Cover
We install tarmac across all of County Dublin and the surrounding commuter counties. Click your area for a page specific to your location.
Customer Reviews
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David, Lucan
Block Paving — Testimonial pending
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Patio Installation — Testimonial pending
Michael, Castleknock
Tarmac Driveway — Testimonial pending
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Block Paving — Testimonial pending
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Resin Driveway — Testimonial pending
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Free site survey · Written quote within 24 hours · No deposit required · Fully insured
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📍 27 N City Business Park, Finglas, Dublin 11
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