Enniskeane · covers Cork county-wide
West Cork garden design studio run by Anne Hamilton, who has worked on RHS Chelsea Flower Show gardens (including a 2023 silver medal garden) and Bloom show gardens.…
View listing →Garden Design in Cork
A garden designer turns your ideas into a plan that works for your site, budget and the Cork climate. These designers work across Cork, some designing only and some also building what they design. Below you'll find typical fees, total project budgets and how to prepare.
Cullenagh, Skibbereen
West Cork landscaping, stonework and construction business with 17+ years' experience. Built award-winning show gardens at Bloom (2010 and 2011) and has restored…
View listing →Cork · covers Cork county-wide
Landscape and garden design practice run by Cork-based designer Ingrid Swan, a Writtle College graduate who previously worked with BHL Landscape.
View listing →Ovens · covers Cork county-wide
Garden design and construction company founded in 2004 by garden designer Shane Murphy. Offers full garden design (concepts, artist impressions and hard landscape…
View listing →Silversprings, Cork · covers Cork county-wide
Cork landscaping and garden design company that brings together trades people, horticulturists and designers, and says it does not subcontract its work. Designs and…
View listing →Ballygarvan · covers Cork county-wide
Design-and-build garden service run alongside The Pavilion Garden Centre in Ballygarvan. The team draws plans and mood boards, suggests planting and materials, then…
View listing →Cork City · covers Cork county-wide
Landscape design studio in Cork City run by horticulturist Carol O'Sullivan. Offers garden design, planting plans, edible and sustainable gardens, patio and decking…
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How much does garden design cost in Cork?
Design fees are separate from the cost of building the garden. Some designers charge a fixed fee per stage; others take a percentage of the project.
| Job | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation only | €150–€300 | Site visit and advice. |
| Basic garden plan | €300–€600 | |
| Detailed design | €600–€1,500 | Scaled plans, materials and planting. |
| Premium design | €1,500–€3,000+ | Larger gardens, visuals, construction drawings. |
| Percentage fee | 10–15% | Of the total project budget. |
| Small garden makeover (50–80 m²) | €3,000–€20,000 | Design and build, budget to premium. |
| Medium garden makeover (100–200 m²) | €6,000–€45,000 | Design and build, budget to premium. |
Indicative Irish price ranges, checked October 2026. They are national figures, not quotes; prices in Cork vary with access, waste removal and how overgrown the job is, so always get two or three written quotes. Sources: Tradesmen Ireland landscaping costs 2026 (May 2026).
What pushes the price up or down
- Size and complexity of the garden, and changes in level.
- Hard landscaping choices, which usually make up most of the build cost.
- Whether the designer also manages the build.
- Extras such as lighting, water features and outdoor kitchens.
Compare garden design businesses in Cork
All 7 listed businesses at a glance. Tap a name for the full listing.
| Business | Based in | Covers | Also offers | Contact listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anne Hamilton Associates · GLDA | Enniskeane | All of Cork | — | Phone, Website |
| Evans Landscapes | Cullenagh, Skibbereen | Skibbereen, Clonakilty, Bantry, Bandon and Cork City | Landscaping | Phone |
| Isdesign | Cork | All of Cork | — | — |
| Lavender Landscapes · ALCI, GLDA | Ovens | All of Cork | Landscaping | — |
| Sublime Landscaping | Silversprings, Cork | All of Cork | Landscaping | Phone, Website |
| The Pavilion Garden Design & Landscaping · ALCI | Ballygarvan | All of Cork | Landscaping | — |
| The Planting Consultancy | Cork City | All of Cork | — | Phone |
When to book garden design in Cork
| When | What to plan |
|---|---|
| September–January | Best time to commission a design, so it is ready to build in spring. |
| February–May | Construction season starts. Designers and landscapers are busiest. |
| October–March | Ideal for planting trees, hedging and bare-root plants from a new scheme. |
Hiring for garden design in Cork: a quick guide
Design-only or design-and-build
Some designers produce plans and planting schemes for you or your landscaper to build. Others run design-and-build businesses and manage the whole project. Design-only gives you freedom to tender the build; design-and-build means one point of contact.
What to prepare for a first meeting
Think about how you want to use the garden, a rough budget, any must-have features, and photos of gardens you like. Mention drainage problems, shade and exposure to wind, especially on coastal sites in West and East Cork.
Setting a realistic budget
Design fees are usually a small part of the total. Build costs depend mostly on hard landscaping: patios, walls and paths. A good designer will help you phase the work if the budget does not stretch to everything at once.
Professional bodies
The Garden and Landscape Designers Association (GLDA) and the Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland (ALCI) both list members, which is a useful extra check.
Find garden design near you
We also list garden design businesses by area, including garden design in Cork City, garden design in Ballincollig, garden design in Carrigaline, garden design in Bandon, garden design in Clonakilty and garden design in Skibbereen. Browse all Cork areas.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a garden designer cost in Cork?
- Typical Irish fees are €150–€300 for a consultation, €300–€600 for a basic plan and €600–€1,500 for a detailed design. Some designers charge 10–15% of the project budget instead.
- How much does a full garden makeover cost?
- Based on Irish price guides, a small garden (50–80 m²) costs from about €3,000 on a tight budget to €20,000 for premium work. A medium garden runs from about €6,000 to €45,000.
- Can a designer just do a planting plan?
- Yes, many designers offer planting plans on their own for existing gardens.
- How long does a garden design take?
- Allow a few weeks for the design itself, plus time for revisions and quotes. Building can take from a few days for a small garden to several weeks for a large one.
- Do I need planning permission for my new garden?
- Most garden designs are exempted development. Raised structures, high walls, new road entrances or work at a protected structure may need permission. Your designer should flag this.
- What should I look for in a garden designer?
- A portfolio of built gardens similar to yours, clear fees in writing, and membership of a body such as the GLDA or ALCI.