1. How Much Is Fencing Per Metre in Ireland?
As of 2025, fencing costs typically range between €40 and €200 per metre, depending on the material, labour, and ground conditions.
| Fence Type | Average Installed Cost (per metre) |
|---|---|
| Timber / Wooden Panels | €40–€70 |
| PVC / Vinyl Fencing | €80–€200 |
| Composite Fencing | €80–€120 |
| Concrete Posts & Gravel Boards | €70–€110 |
| Chain-Link Fencing | €30–€55 |
Tip – DIY installation could reduce costs by up to 40%, though you’ll need the right tools and concrete mix for posts.
2. How Much Does It Cost to Get a Garden Fence?
The average garden fence installation costs between €1,200 and €3,500, depending on length and material.
A 30-metre garden boundary in pressure-treated timber, for instance, typically costs:
- €1,500–€2,100 (standard panels)
- €2,400–€3,200 (composite or concrete post systems)
3. How Much for a 30-Metre Fence?
For a 30-metre garden fence:
- Budget range – €1,200–€3,600, depending on material.
- DIY timber fence – ~€1,000–€1,400 (materials only).
- Composite or PVC – ~€2,700–€3,500 (installed).
4. What Is the Cheapest Fencing for a Garden?
The cheapest fencing options in Ireland include:
- Chain-link wire fencing (€30–€50/m) – affordable but low privacy.
- Overlap timber panels (€35–€60/m) – good value and easily available.
- Pallet or reclaimed wood fencing – cheapest of all if you DIY.
5. What’s the Cheapest Way to Fence on a Budget?
- Mix materials; timber panels with concrete posts last longer.
- Buy in bulk from local builders’ merchants.
- Do groundwork (clearing and measuring) yourself.
- Reuse existing posts or add gravel boards instead of replacing full panels.
6. How Much Should I Spend on Fencing?
For many Irish homes, a reasonable target is 1–2% of property value for fencing and boundary works.
For a €350,000 home, that’s roughly €3,000–€7,000 depending on size and style.
Spending slightly more in quality posts and treatments can double the fence’s lifespan and save money long-term.
7. How Long Will a Garden Fence Last?
Typical lifespan by material:
| Fence Type | Average Lifespan | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|
| Timber (treated) | 10–15 years | Repainting or staining every 2–3 years |
| Composite | 25+ years | Virtually maintenance-free |
| PVC / Vinyl | 20–30 years | Occasional wash-down |
| Concrete Posts & Panels | 30+ years | Minimal |
| Chain-link | 15–25 years | Occasional tightening |
8. Do You Need Gravel Boards for Fencing?
Not always, but gravel boards (concrete or timber planks under fence panels) are highly recommended.
They:
- Protect panels from moisture and soil contact,
- Prevent rot, and
- Extend fence lifespan by several years.
9. What Is the Legal Height for a Fence in Ireland?
Under Irish planning law, the maximum height for a garden fence is:
- 1.2 metres (4 ft) at the front of a property, and
- 2 metres (6 ft 6 in) at the side or rear boundaries.
Anything higher generally requires planning permission.
10. What Is the 2-Metre Fence Rule?
This refers to the maximum height limit of 2 metres for boundary fences or walls without needing planning permission. If you exceed 2 metres, you must apply for permission through your local council’s planning office.
11. How High Can a Fence Be Without Planning Permission in Ireland?
The same 2-metre rule applies. You can build a fence or boundary wall up to 2 metres high without planning permission, as long as it:
- Isn’t at the front boundary facing a public road,
- Doesn’t obstruct driver visibility, and
- Isn’t part of a listed property or protected structure.
12. What Is the 7-Year Boundary Rule in Ireland?
If a boundary fence, wall, or structure has been in place for more than seven years without objection or enforcement action, it becomes legally established under Section 157(4)(b) of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
However, it still doesn’t make it “officially approved” , it is simply beyond enforcement.
13. What Is the Best Time of Year to Install a Fence?
The best seasons are spring or early autumn, when the ground is soft but not waterlogged.
Avoid winter (frozen soil) and midsummer (dry, hard soil) for post setting.
14. What Type of Fence Lasts the Longest?
Concrete post systems and composite fencing are the most durable, lasting 25–30+ years with little maintenance.
If you prefer a natural look, use pressure-treated timber with gravel boards and protective stain every few years.
15. How Can I Reduce the Cost of Fencing?
- Compare quotes from at least 3 local contractors.
- Choose standard panel sizes (1.8m × 1.8m) to avoid custom work.
- Maintain your fence regularly by cleaning, sealing, and re-staining to prevent costly replacements.
- Mix timber panels with concrete posts for a balance of cost and longevity.
Key Takeaways – Garden Fencing FAQS Ireland
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Average cost per metre | €40–€200 |
| Legal height (rear/side) | Up to 2m |
| Planning permission needed? | Only if over 2m or at front boundary |
| Cheapest fencing option | Chain-link or overlap timber |
| Longest-lasting fencing | Composite or concrete post systems |
| Average lifespan | 10–30 years depending on material |
| Best time to install | Spring or early autumn |
| Gravel boards needed? | Recommended to prevent rot |
| Budget for 30m fence | €1,200–€3,500 |
| 7-year boundary rule | No enforcement after 7 years |
Garden fencing might seem like a simple project, but you need to consider cost, durability, and planning laws that every Irish homeowner should understand.
So regardless of your reason for building a fence, always plan ahead:
- Check your boundary lines and local planning rules.
- Compare materials and warranties.
- Balance upfront costs with lifespan and maintenance.
