Locations
We fly from seven stunning locations throughout Ireland. Please note that we fly from Trim, Co. Meath most midweek evenings during the summer months. Generally, we fly one weekend per month at each of our launch sites. If you wish to fly from locations other than Trim, Co. Meath, we strongly advise that you get yourself booked on a flight as early in the season as possible in case of weather postponements – this will allow you further opportunities to book back on another flight early in the season.
We endeavour to always launch from the specified locations however, due to operational restrictions, we reserve the right to move the launch site at short notice or up to the time of the flight. Operational restrictions may vary e.g. wind direction (which could bring us towards controlled airspace, towards mountains (Wicklow) or over lakes (Athlone or Mullingar). We also require cut fields (short grass) to launch from and therefore may have to move until hay or silage is cut from our regular launch fields or until farmers have moved stock. For this reason we have many launch sites at each of our locations.
MEETING POINTS
We meet at suitable locations with adequate parking space close to the launch sites. Passengers, after being checked in, will be brought to the launch site in our 4 wheel drive Minibuses or Jeeps. After the flight we can bring our passengers back to the original meeting point. The meeting places are detailed below. If they have to be changed at short notice, passengers will be notified when they check the flight status on the Weathercheck line on 087 7437575 as instructed.
Trim, Co.Meath.
Ireland’s Heritage Capital
info@meathtourism.ie
Situated in the beautiful Boyne Valley in Co. Meath is the historic town of Trim and its magnificent Castle which is the finest and largest Norman Castle in Ireland, started by Hugh de Lacy in 1173. Trim Castle was the location for the film Bravehart in 1994. Tours of the keep and grounds are available at certain times of the year. Beside the castle is the stunning Yellow Steeple which is aptly named because of the colour in the evening sunlight. Originally the steeple was the belfry tower of the Augustinian Abbey of St. Mary. The Sheep Gate is the only surviving gateway of the Medieval town of Trim. In olden times tolls were exacted but today you can pass through Sheep Gate freely. Set in the middle of the Porchfield, it is a pleasant spot to view the goings-on around the town.
We fly from a number of launch sites in the immediate area, including Trim Castle, Athboy, Slane, the Hill of Tara and others depending on the wind direction on the day of the flight. Trim is easily accessible from Dublin, Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Kildare, and the midlands due to the recent upgrade of the road network.
We have two meeting locations in Trim. They are detailed below and the actual meeting location for your chosen flight will be advised when you phone the weather check line to check the flight status. The location will be based on events taking place in the Town and at the Pub on different dates throughout the year. Either ways you can avail of the free parking and the hospitality of our friends at the hotel and pub.
TRIM CASTLE HOTEL;
We meet in the PRIVATE car park of the Trim Castle Hotel which is located opposite the historic Trim Castle. Please use the underground car park as the hotel are very kindly providing our passengers with free parking, they wish to keep the spaces in their over ground car park free for their daily guests and weddings. You can take the elevator from the car park up to the hotel lobby. We will be meeting the passengers outside the lobby close to the barriers at the entrance to the car park. We transport you from there to the chosen launch site by mini-bus and can return you there after the flight.
After the flight the hotel will validate your parking tickets so that your parking is free. This free parking also applies if you decide to stay in the town to explore, go shopping or participate in a tour of the Castle. Passengers are also welcome to avail of the Hotels toilet facilities before and after flights. They serve a delicious breakfast from 8am and after an evening flight you can enjoy an evening meal in their restaurant or enjoy some bar food in the Bailey Bar which overlooks the Castle. Trim Castle Hotel offer special room rates for passengers of Irish Balloon Flights.
JACK QUINNS PUB CAR PARK;
Jack and Mary Quinn allow our passengers to park free of charge in the car park of their pub “Jack Quinn’s Pub” which is situated about 1km from the town on the Dublin Road (R154). It is opposite the Scurlockstown Business Park. Passengers can park their cars here to avoid the parking charges in the town when we are unable to use the Trim Castle Hotel as a meeting place. We transport you from there to the chosen launch site by mini-bus and can return you there after the flight.
Jack & Mary invite you to use their toilet facilities (if the pub is open at the times we are meeting). Enjoy a chat and a drink with Jack who was a legend in Meath football - the Quinn brothers were Royal County and Kilbride heroes. Many Meath supporters would have needed a lot of convincing that the song (The Mighty Quinn) written by Bob Dylan was not written in honour of the towering Kilbride full back Jack.
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DIRECTIONS
Click here for our local meeting site map
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Click here for Mapquest location map (Trim Castle Hotel)
Click here for Mapquest location map (Jack Quinn's).
Click here for AA Route Planner to plan your journey.
Sat-Nav Position: N 53.55405 W 6.79081 (Trim Castle Hotel)
Sat-Nav Position: N 53.54870 W 6.74546 (Jack Quinn's)
ACCOMMODATION
If you require accommodation in the Trim area here are some contact details. Please ensure that you are aware of their cancellation policy should the balloon flight be postponed as we will not be held responsible for any costs incurred.
| Trim Castle Hotel | 046-948 3000 | www.trimcastlehotel.com info@trimcastlehotel.com |
| Knightsbrook Hotel & Golf Resort | 1850 55 44 00 | www.cusackhotels.com info@cusackhotels.com |
| Bellinter House | 046-903 0900 | www.bellinterhouse.com info@bellinterhouse.com |
| Station House Hotel, Kilmessan. | 046-902 5239 | www.thestationhousehotel.com info@thestationhousehotel.com |
| Brogans Hotel, Trim | 046-943 1237 | www.brogans.ie info@brogans.ie |
| Highfield House B&B, Trim | 046-943 6386 | www.stay@highfield.com highfieldhouseaccom@eircom.net |
| Crannmore Guest House | 046-943 1635 | www.crannmor.com cranmor@eircom.net |
| Kiltale Holiday Homes-Self Catering | 046-943 6679 | www.meathselfcatering.com mmlydon@eircom.net |
WESTMEATH
MULLINGAR
Belvedere House, Gardens and Park
www.belvedere-house.ie
An oasis of beauty in the Midlands is there to be enjoyed. Belvedere House Gardens & Park can be discovered on the shores of Lough Ennell, 4 miles from Mullingar in Co. Westmeath and just an hour’s drive from Dublin, close to the new M6 motorway.
The Belvedere story is one which is steeped in scandal and provides rich opportunities to capture the visitors’ imagination. The Estate comprises of 160 acres of parkland with 6kms of magnificent woodland and lakeshore walks. Several follies adorn the landscape including Ireland's largest folly - The Jealous Wall. The restored Belvedere House is an 18th century hunting/fishing lodge designed by the renowned German architect Richard Castle for Robert Rochfort, later the 1st Earl of Belvedere. A fascinating Walled Garden, designed by Ninian Nevin in 1857, contains one of Ireland's finest collections of rare and special plants. The Stable Block is home to a modern Visitor Centre with multi-media show, exhibitions and Cafe. Adjacent to the Visitor Centre is the Animal Sanctuary and Children's Play Area. There is also a delightful tram which provides guided tours around a section of the parkland on selected days throughout the year.
We fly from the beautiful parkland and as the balloon rises above the trees you are treated to the stunning view of this glorious house gardens and parkland and of course the beautiful Lough Ennell. Our meeting point is in the main car park and we transport you from there by minibus to the launch site.
We highly recommend that you allow extra time to explore this fabulous jewel before or after your flight or relax over a cuppa in their Courtyard Cafe.
DIRECTIONS
Belvedere House is located on the new N52 south of Mullingar. If travelling from Dublin take the M4 motorway and take the Mullingar exit. At the end of the sliproad, turn left (opposite the Mullingar Park Hotel) and keep going straight, over several roundabouts, until you reach Belvedere House on your right. It is very well sign-posted. If travelling from Galway/Athlone, take the new M6 motorway and take the N52 exit at Tyrrelspass towards Mullingar. Belvedere House will be found on the left.
A location map for Belvedere House
Click here for AA Route Planner to plan your journey.
Sat-Nav Position: N 53.47156 W 7.37050
ACCOMMODATION
If you require accommodation in the Mullingar area here are some contact details. Please ensure that you are aware of their cancellation policy should the balloon flight be postponed as we will not be held responsible for any costs incurred.
| Bloomfield House Hotel & Golf (Adjacent to Belvedere House) |
044-93400894 | www.bloomfieldhouse.com | reservations@bloomfieldhouse.com |
| Mullingar Park Hotel | 044-933 7500 | www.mullingarparkhotel.com | info@mullingarparkhotel.com |
| Greville Arms Hotel | 044-934 8563 | www.grevillearms.com | grevillearmshotel@eircom.net |
| McCormacks Guesthouse | 044-934 1483 | www.mccormacksbandb.com | info@mccormacksbandb.com |
| Tullamore Court Hotel | 057-934 6666 | www.tullamorecourthotel.ie | info@tullamorecourthotel.ie |
ATHLONE
Athlone, the urban capital of the Midlands, is strategically positioned in the centre of Ireland, where an esker ridge provides convenient access through the surrounding lowlands to make it the focus of east-west traffic across the river Shannon. Athlone town is well served by local and national infrastructure. There is a good existing road network connecting Athlone to Dublin, Galway, Sligo, Limerick, Cork and all the major population centres.
The town is well catered for by excellent hotels and quality B&B’s with a variety of restaurants and eateries catering for all tastes and budgets. Athlone's position on the River Shannon, at the foot of Lough Ree, has ensured a consistent influx of water enthusiasts including those who participate in sailing, cruising, wind surfing and canoeing. Angling enthusiasts come to fish the Shannon and the many lakes located in the Midlands Region.
Athlone and District boasts a wide variety of visitor attractions and historical sites of note including the instantly recognisable Athlone Castle and Clonmacnoise Monastic Site. Many walking, cycling and driving trails have been developed in recent years for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
We fly from a number of locations in the area and the actual launch site is advised to the passengers when they check the flight status on the weather check line 087-743 7575, which will be based on wind direction. We have launch sites at Glasson Golf & Country Club on the East shore of Lough Ree, the Hodson Bay Hotel on the South West shore of Lough Ree and a number of other locations in the area.
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DIRECTIONS
Click here for our local meeting site map
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Click here for Mapquest location map.
Click here for AA Route Planner to plan your journey.
Sat-Nav Position: N 53.47741 W 7.89621 (Glasson Golf & Country Club)
Sat-Nav Position: N 53.46771 W 7.98789 (Hodson Bay Hotel)
Sat-Nav Position: N 53.42211 W 7.99562 (Athlone Springs Hotel)
ACCOMMODATION
If you require accommodation in the Athlone area here are some contact details. Please ensure that you are aware of their cancellation policy should the balloon flight be postponed as we will not be held responsible for any costs incurred. Many other Hotels and B&B’s are available by logging onto the website www.athlone.ie and following the links for accommodation.
| Glasson Golf & Country Club | 090-648 5120 | www.glassongolfhotel.ie | info@glassongolfhotel.ie |
| Hodson Bay Hotel & Spa | 090-648 0500 | www.hodsonbayhotel.com | info@hodsonbayhotel.com |
| Athlone Springs Hotel | 090-644 4444 | www.athlonespringshotel.com | info@athlonespringshotel.com |
| Radisson SAS Hotel | 090-644 2600 | www.athlone.radisonsas.com | Info.athlone@radissonsas.com |
| Sheraton Athlone Hotel | 090-645 1000 | www.sheratonathlonehotel.com | reservations@sheratonathlonehotel.com |
| Wineport Lodge | 090-648 5466 | www.wineport.ie | lodge@wineport.ie |
| Tullamore Court Hotel | 057-934 6666 | www.tullamorecourthotel.ie | info@tullamorecourthotel.ie |
WICKLOW NORTH WEST
The Garden County of Ireland
Rathsallagh House , Hotel & Golf Club, Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow.
Nestled in the foothills of the Wicklow mountains and within a short drive from Dublin City. Rathsallagh House Hotel is converted from Queen Anne stables in 1798 and is a large 4-star Grade A country house set in 530 acres of peaceful parkland with its own walled garden - all surrounded by the magnificent Rathsallagh Golf Club. Other delights include Blessington Lakes located close by.
Rathsallagh is only 20 minutes from the Curragh Racecourse, home of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and Punchestown Racecourse, home of Irelands biggest National Hunt Festival, and for the shopper Irelands latest and biggest designer discount shopping outlet, The Kildare Retail Village.
We fly from the grounds of the hotel or from the Golf Club. The exact meeting place will be advised when passengers check the flight status on the flight check line 087-743 7575. For morning flights, if we are flying from the grounds of the hotel, we ask passengers NOT to drive up to the hotel as this disturbs guests of the hotel. For these flights we meet at the GATE LODGE.
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DIRECTIONS
Click here for our local meeting site map
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Click here for Mapquest location map.
Click here for AA Route Planner to plan your journey.
Sat-Nav Position: N 53.03555 W 6.73402 (Hotel Entrance / Gate Lodge)
Sat-Nav Position: N 53.02749 W 6.74213 (Golf Club Entrance)
ACCOMMODATION
If you require accommodation in the Wicklow area here are some contact details. Please ensure that you are aware of their cancellation policy should the balloon flight be postponed as we will not be held responsible for any costs incurred.
| Rathsallagh Hotel | 01-454 03112 | www.rathsallaghhousehotel.com | info@rathsallaghhousehotel.com |
| Tynte House | 045-401 561 | www.tyntehouse.com | stay@tyntehouse.com |
KILKENNY
Kilkenny is a medieval city of 24,000 people acclaimed internationally as a centre for craft and design. Technology, Tourism, Craft & Design and food processing are the main industries in the county. Each year Kilkenny hosts a number of international festivals and the city is a very popular tourist destination.
This medieval city is characterised by many beautifully restored buildings and winding slipways - it is small and compact enough to explore on foot, yet full of fascinating historical buildings and contemporary shops, design galleries and restaurants.
The ancient city of Kilkenny was named after a 6th century monk St Canice. His memory lives on in the beautifully restored St Canices Cathedral, built overlooking the city in the thirteenth century. Kilkenny Castle , one of the most magnificent castle's in Ireland was built by the Normans who arrived in the city during the 12th century.
Lyrath Estate Hotel, Spa & Convention Centre
Set amid 170 acres of mature parkland and just 1.2 kilometres from the beautiful city of Kilkenny. Lyrath Hotel fuses stunning contemporary hotel design with the elegance of its original 17th century house, meeting and exceeding everything you would expect from a leading hotel.
If you are not planning on staying at the hotel, may we recommend afternoon tea before your flight or, after a morning flight, treat yourself to their delicious award winning breakfast buffet.
We meet our passengers at the CONVENTION CENTRE car park which is past the main hotel car park.
| Lyrath Estate Hotel | 056 776 0088 | www.lyrath.com | info@lyrath.com |
| Lacken House Guesthouse | 056 776 1085 | www.lackenhouse.ie | info@lackenhouse.ie |
| B&B and other accommodation | www.kilkenny.ie |
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DIRECTIONS
Click here for our local meeting site map
){kind=link}
Click here for Mapquest location map.
Click here for AA Route Planner to plan your journey.
Sat-Nav Position: N 52.6450 W 7.2000
LIMERICK
Adare Manor - NEW for 2010 season onwards
Situated in the lush heartlands of County Limerick, Adare Manor is one of Ireland's most evocative and spellbinding Five Star hotels. Steeped in exotic history and surrounded by medieval ruins, its 840-acre estate is home to beautiful parklands, superb trout fishing on the river Maigue, and a renowned 18 hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior. The estate is situated in the heart of the picturesque village of Adare, and only a 20 minute drive from Limerick City.
| The Manor House dates from 1832 when the 2nd Earl of Dunraven set about
transforming his family home from a Georgian house to the Neo-Gothic mansion
that stands today. The house is initially reminiscent of a chateau, but many of
its features are shared by great residences of the era in Britain and Ireland.
Unique and individual accommodation, the best of contemporary Irish food in an
incomparable setting, and the highest standards of modern hospitality are
hallmarks of the Manor experience. For all Hot Air Balloon flights departing from Adare Manor, there is free car parking available at the Golf Clubhouse car park. Guests can enjoy the facilities of the Carriagehouse Bar & Restaurant, and will be collected by mini bus at this point and guests will also be returned to this point after their flight. The Carriagehouse Bar & Restaurant opens at 7.30am for breakfast and remains
open throughout the day for lunch and dinner. There is a wonderful bistro style
menu and this talented team of chefs are renowned for their traditional Beef
Burgers and Fish & Chips, definitely not worth missing. |
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Accommodation:
At Adare Manor there is a variety of accommodation available including 62
luxurious bedrooms in the Manor House, 17 two and four bedroom townhouses and 46
three bedroom villas. For reservations please visit www.adaremanor.com or
telephone +353 (0)61 605200. Please ensure to mention that you are taking part in a Hot
Air Balloon flight when making your reservation.
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Click here for our local meeting site map
Click here for Mapquest location map
Click here for AA Route Planner to plan your journey.
Sat-Nav Position: N 52.5717 W 8.7824
CARRYDUFF
Flights take place from the leisure centre in Carryduff and from adjacent areas, depending on the wind direction. This could include locations such as Ballynahinch or Hillsborough. Carryduff is situated along the Saintfield Road and the Ballynahinch Road, approximately 10km from Belfast City Centre. Flights in this area provide a great view of the Mourne Mountains.
Flights normally take place Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and some Bank Holidays through the main season and also at weekends throughout the winter months.
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Click here for AA Route Planner to plan your journey.
Click here for Mapquest location map
Sat-Nav Position: N 54.51472 W 5.90115