Safer, Sleeker, Smarter Installation for Irish Gardens
InGround trampolines (also called sunken trampolines) are installed with the frame buried in the ground, leaving only the jumping mat visible at approximately 20cm above ground level. This design offers multiple advantages over traditional above-ground trampolines, making them increasingly popular in Irish gardens.
What is an InGround Trampoline?
An InGround trampoline is a standard trampoline installed in an excavated pit so that the jumping surface sits just 20cm above ground level, rather than the typical 80-90cm of regular trampolines.
Key Characteristics:
- Frame buried approximately 80cm below ground
- Jumping mat sits 20cm above lawn level
- Requires excavation and drainage system
- More permanent installation
- Premium garden aesthetic
Not to be confused with: FlatGround trampolines (completely flush with lawn – even more premium)
Why Choose InGround Installation?
1. Safer Access for Children
No ladder needed – The 20cm height means even young children (ages 3-5) can step onto the trampoline safely without climbing a ladder. This is particularly beneficial for:
- Toddlers learning to use trampolines
- Multiple children entering/exiting
- Elderly grandparents supervising (can see better)
- Reducing fall risk from ladder climbing
2. Better Wind Resistance (Critical in Ireland)
Lower wind profile – With only 20cm above ground (vs 90cm for regular), InGround trampolines present dramatically less surface area to Irish winds.
Especially important for:
- Coastal properties (Galway, Donegal, West Cork, Kerry)
- Exposed rural locations
- Areas that experience Atlantic gales
- Properties without natural windbreaks
Real-world benefit: Many Irish families report InGround trampolines surviving storms that damaged neighbors’ above-ground trampolines.
3. Sleeker Garden Aesthetics
Visual integration – InGround trampolines blend into gardens rather than dominating them. The low profile means:
- Less visual impact from house windows
- Doesn’t block garden sightlines
- More sophisticated appearance
- Premium garden design aesthetic
- Increases property value
Popular with: Architect-designed properties, award-winning gardens, families with premium landscaping
4. Easier Supervision
Eye-level viewing – Parents can watch children bouncing from ground level, making supervision easier and more natural. No need to crane neck upward.
5. Reduced Perceived Risk
Psychological benefit – The lower height reduces the intimidation factor for nervous children or first-time users. They feel safer closer to ground level.
InGround vs Regular Trampolines – Full Comparison
| Feature | Regular (Above-Ground) | InGround |
|---|---|---|
| Height above ground | 80-90cm | 20cm |
| Ladder required | Yes (€30-50) | No |
| Wind resistance | Standard (anchor kit needed) | Excellent (lower profile) |
| Garden aesthetics | Visible structure | Blends with garden |
| Installation | 3-4 hours DIY | Requires excavation |
| Installation cost | €0-200 DIY | €600-1,200 (professional) |
| Drainage needs | None | Important (Irish rainfall) |
| Maintenance | Standard | Standard + drainage checks |
| Accessibility | Requires climbing | Walk-on access |
| Supervision | Look upward | Eye-level |
| Mobility | Can relocate | Permanent installation |
| Property value | Neutral | Adds value |
| Total cost | €500-€2,000 | €1,200-€3,500 |
| Best for | Flexibility, budget | Premium, permanent |
Installation Requirements for Irish Gardens
Excavation
Depth needed: Approximately 1 meter (100cm) deep
Diameter: Trampoline diameter plus 15cm clearance all around
Excavation options:
- DIY: Rent mini-digger (€100-150/day) – hard work but doable
- Professional: €300-600 depending on soil type and access
Soil type considerations:
- Clay soil (common in Ireland): Harder to dig, slower drainage, may need extra drainage
- Sandy soil: Easier excavation, better natural drainage
- Rocky soil: May need professional excavation, harder to achieve level base
Installation Timeline
DIY Installation:
- Day 1: Excavation (4-6 hours)
- Day 2: Drainage setup and trampoline assembly (4-5 hours)
- Total: 2 days
Professional Installation:
- Day 1: Excavation and drainage (professional crew)
- Day 2: Trampoline installation
- Total: 1-2 days
Total Installation Costs
DIY Installation:
- Mini-digger rental: €100-150
- Trampoline: €600-€2,000 (depending on brand/size)
Best InGround Trampoline Brands for Ireland
BERG InGround Trampolines (Premium Dutch Quality)
Why BERG leads in Ireland:
- 13-year frame warranty (industry-leading)
- Hot-dip galvanized steel (rust-proof in Irish weather)
- Designed in Netherlands (similar maritime climate)
- Premium safety nets included
- TwinSpring Gold technology (Champion/Elite ranges)
BERG ranges available InGround:
- BERG Favorit InGround – €469-€1,159 (entry premium)
- BERG Champion InGround – €779-€1,489 (TwinSpring Gold – best value)
- BERG Elite InGround – €1,189-€2,299 (AirFlow Pro mat – ultimate)
Most popular in Ireland: BERG Champion InGround 330cm (11ft) – €899-€1,099
Shop the complete BERG InGround range at Trampolines Ireland →
Springfree InGround (Ultimate Safety)
Revolutionary no-spring design:
- Composite rods instead of metal springs
- FlexiNet sits away from jumping surface
- 90% fewer product-related injuries
- 10-year comprehensive warranty
Perfect for: Safety-conscious families, young children, premium investment
EXIT InGround (Good Value)
Quality European brand:
- Good galvanized frames
- Competitive pricing
- European safety standards
- Suitable for budget-conscious families
InGround Trampoline Sizes for Irish Gardens
Small Gardens (6ft-9ft InGround)
6ft InGround (183cm):
- Garden size needed: 4m × 4m minimum
- Ages: 2-5 years (toddlers)
- Users: 1 child
- Popular in: Dublin/Cork city gardens
8ft InGround (244cm):
- Garden size needed: 5m × 5m minimum
- Ages: 3-8 years
- Users: 1-2 children
- Popular in: Small suburban gardens
9ft InGround (270cm):
- Garden size needed: 5.5m × 5.5m minimum
- Ages: 4-10 years
- Users: 1-2 children
Medium Gardens (10ft-11ft InGround) – MOST POPULAR
10ft InGround (305cm):
- Garden size needed: 6m × 6m minimum
- Ages: 5-12 years
- Users: 2 children comfortably
- Popular across Ireland
11ft InGround (330cm): ⭐ BEST SELLER
- Garden size needed: 7m × 7m minimum
- Ages: 5-14 years
- Users: 2-3 children
- Fits 80% of Irish suburban gardens (8m × 10m typical)
- Most recommended size for InGround installation
Large Gardens (12ft-14ft InGround)
12ft InGround (366cm):
- Garden size needed: 8m × 8m minimum
- Ages: 6-16 years
- Users: 3-4 children
- Popular in: Large suburban, rural Ireland
14ft InGround (427cm):
- Garden size needed: 9m × 9m minimum
- Ages: 8-16+ years
- Users: 4+ children
- Maximum standard size
Maintenance for InGround Trampolines
Standard Trampoline Maintenance
Quarterly:
- Tighten all bolts and connections
- Inspect mat for tears or wear
- Check safety net for damage
Annually:
- Deep clean jumping mat
- Check frame for any rust spots
- Inspect springs (or TwinSpring Gold lasts 8-10 years)
Additional InGround-Specific Maintenance
After Heavy Rain:
- Check no water pooling in pit
- Verify drainage functioning
- Clear any debris blocking drainage
Monthly:
- Remove leaves and debris from pit (falls in more easily than above-ground)
- Trim grass around edge
- Quick drainage check
Quarterly:
- Clear drainage pipes if installed
- Check gravel base still effective
Autumn (Leaf Season):
- Consider mesh cover when not in use
- Prevents leaves filling pit
- Reduces cleaning time
Expected Lifespan in Irish Weather
With proper drainage, InGround lasts just as long as regular:
- BERG InGround frame: 15-20 years (13-year warranty)
- Safety net: 5-7 years (Deluxe nets 7-10 years)
- Jumping mat: 8-12 years
- Springs: 5-7 years (TwinSpring Gold 8-10 years)
InGround Installation in Different Irish Regions
Coastal Areas (Galway, Donegal, West Cork, Kerry)
Challenges:
- Strong Atlantic winds
- Salt air
- Heavy rainfall
- Exposed locations
Why InGround excels here:
- Low profile = excellent wind resistance
- Hot-dip galvanized frames resist salt air
- Drainage handles heavy coastal rainfall
- Proven performance in harshest Irish conditions
Recommendation: InGround HIGHLY recommended for coastal properties. Many coastal families report InGround performing dramatically better than neighbors’ above-ground trampolines in storms.
Urban Gardens (Dublin, Cork, Belfast City)
Challenges:
- Smaller gardens
- Close neighbors
- Premium aesthetics important
Why InGround works:
- Sleeker appearance (less imposing)
- Lower visual impact for neighbors
- Premium look for urban properties
- Adds property value
Popular sizes: 8ft-10ft InGround (fits typical city gardens)
Suburban Properties (Standard Irish Housing Estates)
Typical garden: 8m × 10m
Perfect InGround size: 11ft (330cm) – fits 80% of these gardens
Why it’s ideal: Maximizes trampoline size without dominating garden
Rural Properties (Large Gardens)
Advantages:
- Space for 12ft-14ft InGround
- Can accommodate professional installation equipment
- Often better natural drainage (less clay)
Popular: 12ft-14ft InGround for large families
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is InGround Worth It?
Price Comparison – BERG Champion 11ft Example
Regular Above-Ground:
- BERG Champion 11ft Regular: €1,099
- Ladder: €35
- Anchor kit: €55
- Total: €1,189
InGround Installation:
- BERG Champion 11ft InGround: €899
- Excavation (professional): €400
- Drainage materials: €150
- Installation labor: €200
- Total: €1,649
InGround Premium: €460 more
What You Get for Extra €460
Immediate Benefits:
- Safer access (no ladder climbing)
- Better wind resistance (critical coastal Ireland)
- Sleeker appearance (premium aesthetic)
- Easier supervision (eye-level)
- Adds property value
Long-term Benefits:
- Lasts just as long (15-20 years)
- May have lower insurance impact
- Premium feature if selling property
- Better resale value
Is €460 Premium Worth It?
YES for:
- ✅ Long-term homeowners (10+ years in property)
- ✅ Coastal properties (wind resistance critical)
- ✅ Premium garden design important
- ✅ Young children (safer access valuable)
- ✅ Budget comfortable with €1,600-2,500 investment
NO for:
- ❌ May move within 5 years (InGround permanent)
- ❌ Budget under €1,200
- ❌ Rental property
- ❌ Sloped garden (installation more expensive)
- ❌ Want flexibility to relocate trampoline
Honest assessment: For long-term homeowners in typical suburban properties, InGround worth the premium. For shorter-term or budget-conscious, regular above-ground excellent choice.
Common InGround Questions
Q: Can I DIY InGround installation?
A: Yes! Many families successfully DIY. Rent mini-digger (€100-150/day), excavate to depth, install drainage system, assemble trampoline. Takes 2 days. Professional installation €600-1,200 if preferred.
Q: What about water pooling?
A: Proper drainage prevents this. Must have gravel base and drainage pipes/soakaway. In Ireland’s rainfall, drainage is mandatory – cannot skip this step.
Q: Does InGround last as long as regular?
A: Yes! With proper drainage, InGround lasts 15-20 years same as above-ground. Hot-dip galvanized frames resist rust even buried. Key is drainage.
Q: Can I move InGround if we move house?
A: Technically possible but impractical (excavation stays). InGround is permanent installation. However, adds property value. Consider this before installing if may move soon.
Q: InGround vs FlatGround – what’s difference?
A: InGround = mat 20cm above ground (most common). FlatGround = completely flush with lawn (premium, more expensive, harder drainage). InGround recommended for 90% of families.
Q: Best size InGround for typical Irish suburban garden (8m × 10m)?
A: 11ft (330cm) InGround – fits 80% of these gardens perfectly. Provides excellent jumping space for 2-3 children without dominating garden. Our most popular size.
Q: Coastal Ireland – is InGround better for wind?
A: ABSOLUTELY. InGround significantly better wind resistance vs above-ground. 20cm profile vs 90cm profile = massive difference in Atlantic gales. Highly recommended for coastal Galway, Donegal, West Cork, Kerry properties.
Ready to Transform Your Garden?
InGround trampolines offer the perfect combination of safety, aesthetics, and performance for Irish families. With proper installation and drainage, an InGround trampoline will serve your family for 15-20 years while adding value to your property.
Discover Ireland’s largest selection of premium InGround trampolines, including BERG, Springfree, and EXIT brands, with expert installation guidance and free nationwide delivery.
Shop InGround Trampolines at Trampolines Ireland →
Expert advice available:
- Dublin: 01 960 1641
- Cork: 021 601 7112
- Galway: 091 423 369
Free 48-hour delivery across Ireland | Professional installation coordination | 13-year warranties available
InGroundTrampolines.ie – Your complete guide to sunken trampoline installation in Ireland