Ground Lights and Spike Spots

Ground lights sit flush in the ground, a path or a deck, and spike lights push into borders and planting, so both light your outdoor space from below rather than overhead. They pick out a driveway edge, wash light up a wall or tree, and mark steps and decking safely. Built for Irish weather, they're sealed against water and, where you'll walk or drive over them, rated to take the weight.

What types of ground and spike light are there?

• Recessed inground lights set flush into paths, patios and driveways for a clean, hidden look.
• Decking lights that fit into deck boards and steps, often sold in kits.
• Spike spotlights that push into borders to uplight planting, trees or a wall.
• Drive-over lights rated to take the weight of a car on a driveway.

Where do ground lights work best?

They're at their best marking out a route and picking out features. Line a path or driveway with recessed lights, run decking lights along the edge of a deck or into the steps, and use spike spotlights to uplight a specimen tree, a hedge or the front of the house. A few well-placed ground lights give far more atmosphere than one flat floodlit look.

Can you walk or drive over them?

Check the load rating before you buy. Walkover lights are fine for paths, patios and decking where people step on them, while drive-over lights are built stronger to take the weight of a car, so they're the ones to choose for a driveway. Fitting the right rating means they'll last rather than crack under load.

What IP rating do ground lights need?

Because they sit in the ground, ground lights need a high IP rating, IP65 as a minimum and IP67 where they may end up sitting in a puddle after rain. A higher rating means the fitting is fully sealed against water, which matters far more at ground level than it does for a wall light.

Decking lights

Decking lights are a quick way to lift a deck or patio in the evening. Small round or square fittings set into the boards or risers give a soft glow along the edges and up the steps, and they're often sold in kits with several lights and a transformer. Warm white keeps the deck cosy, while cool white feels crisper and more modern.

Buying ground lights in Ireland

We stock ground lights, decking lights and spike spotlights from brands including Saxby, Endon and Searchlight, all available to order online with fast delivery across Ireland and Europe.

Related categories

Browse bollard & post lights, outdoor wall lights and floodlights, or see all outdoor lighting.