"We just wanted to send a quick mail
to thank you so much for the flight on Saturday evening in
Athlone; we both really enjoyed the whole experience. Your level
of professionalism and expertise is very impressive and much
appreciated.
My kids and I traveled throughout the UK for the past three weeks; museums, castles, shops, hotels, restaurants... 5 one-day-tours, over a dozen different beautiful cities and towns, wonderful scenery... you name it ... at the end of the trip the three of us voted our Hot Air Balloon Flight with you as the very best experience of our trip.
I am really looking forward to meeting you in Albuquerque in October, could you please send me the dates?
Attached you'll find a some of our photos (one taken by Michael, our driver, and one of the balloon reflected on a little river)
Best regards, a great pleasure to have met you, take care!"
Sergio E. Rosales-Wybo, Guatalajara, Mexico, July 2011
"Myself and Colin had a fantastic experience thank you so much. It was wonderful to be involved in getting the balloon ready for take off and also helping put it all away, loved the way the kids used it as a bouncy castle at the end. We will take a look at our photos and post you some as we got some really good ones.
I have said to my family and friends that everyone should experience a balloon ride - it was so peaceful and picturesque and we were like royalty waving at the locals."
Lisa Rigney, Lucan, Co. Dublin, July 2011
"It was just the greatest experience - up there with "zip-lining" in Costa Rica - have been telling "EVERYONE" that its an experience they "MUST" have - thanks again. I shall upload onto Facebook as soon as I figure out the new camera and basically - how to do it!!!"
Vivienne Griffith, Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath, July 2011
"The evening was great and the flight was spectacular"
Damian Murphy, Cork, July 2011
"I was on one if your hot air balloon flights this weekend, I found the whole experience amazing and completely fascinating. Also I want to thank you for such an amazing experience! "
Danielle Monaghan, Dundalk, Co. Louth, July 2011
"We are still on a high after our flight, I've told everyone!!!
John & I loved the flight, we felt that time stopped while we were up there and the trees looked so majestic, we didn't want to return, but when we did the excitement from the locals was brilliant it made us feel like "the aliens had landed".
I'm looking forward to my birthday present, I really hope it will be a morning flight on a balloon!!!!
Happy flying to all of ye in balloons.ie"
Mags Shanahan, Kerry, July 2011
"Hello to all concerned,
Pat and myself are writing to you, saying thanks for the lovely evening we had with ye, flying up, up and away. It was brilliant, I just loved it. I won't mention any names, lest I leave anyone out, but ye were all so helpful with us, and yet, a fuss wasn't made either! Pat and I are telling all our families and friends that it is something that they should do, lots of advertising for ye.
So, thanks again, and keep on flying, up, up and away."
Noirin & Pat Murphy, Cork, July 2011
"It was a very memorable experience and I'd like to thank you for your hospitality."
Dan Crowley/Dee Nolan, Cork, June 2011
"Hi there, myself and Daryl both just wanted to thank you for the wonderful experience we had last Sunday evening! It was simply fantastic and we both thoroughly enjoyed our flight. Wishing you all continued success."
Pamela Kane, Offaly, April 2011
"We both enjoyed the whole experience"
Gerry Cleary, Dublin 5, April 2011
"I really enjoyed the balloon flight in Adare, I have attached some photos for you."
Jennifer Walsh, Limerick, April 2011
"Many thanks to you all to Malcolm Pauline and Grace. Dave and I both thoroughly enjoyed our balloon trip experience."
Bernie Downes, Athboy, April 2011
"Thanks very much for a wonderful flight on Friday last. I really enjoyed it. Thanks again to all the team."
John Chaney, Dublin 5, April 2011
"Both myself and my girlfriend ( Adam Staunton & Danielle Black ) had the absolute pleasure of going on one of your balloon rides on the mentioned date and we were totally blown away by the entire evening. It truly was a evening to remember and I have told lots of friends and family to go and book a flight. Above all we would like to thank Malcolm and Pauline who really were so professional, friendly and above all lovely people. Thanks again and Keep up the good work"
Adam Staunton, Bettystown, March 2011
"The Xtra Factor would like to thank Irish Balloon Flights for flying Konnie and Louis (Walsh) over the spectacular Irish landscape and Adare Manor. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and saw Ireland from the best view ever!! "
Lucy Gosling, X Factor Production Team, Thames TV
"We really enjoyed the flight, it was so peaceful up there we didn’t want to come back to earth! It was a real treat and the beautiful evening added to the calmness of the whole experience. Even the folding up of the balloon afterwards was great craic. I would definitely recommend it to people."
Lucy Reidy, Tulla, Co. Clare, September 2010
"Just a
note to say a big thank you to everyone concerned with the Balloon Flight
yesterday evening, especially Tom. As you know I was a long time trying to
reach the sky but it was truly worth waiting for, what a wonderful experience
and the weather was fantastic. It was also great to take part in the practical
side of the flight when preparing the balloon and also the post landing clear
up. All in all I have been raving about it to friends and family so hopefully
you will have follow on sales.
I have camcorder footage and photos to treasure for life! Thank you again to
the whole team and safe flying."
Marguerite O'Brien, Celbridge, September 2010
"I had a great time and enjoyed myself. I would definitely recommend a flight to anyone. It is such a unique way to experience flight and to see nature as well."
Mary Judge, Blessington, Co. Wicklow, September 2010
"Thanks for a great day last Sunday 8/8/10 in Kilkenny, myself and daughter Gemma said we would both love to do it again some time it was magic. 'Imagination is like a lofty building reared to meet the sky. Fancy is a balloon that soars at the winds will'."
Mike and Gemma Hughes, Waterford, August 2010
"I thoroughly enjoyed my flight and what made it special was we were not just spectators but allowed to help with the preparation of the balloon and packing up afterwards. "
Leon Lynch, Cavan, August 2010
"Many thanks for a wonderful experience yesterday evening. The flight from Rathsallagh was magical and the landing in Stratford was great fun....... It was definitely worth the wait."
Jacinta Barrett, Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow, July 2010
"A big big thank you to Malcolm and all the team of the Hunky Dorys balloon for a truly wonderful experience. Really enjoyed last night's balloon flight. Thanks again."
Ger & Laz Lacey, Ratoath, Co. Meath, July 2010
"It was a lovely summer evening the flight was mesmeric and dreamlike and what a view. I liked the informality of the whole occasion and being part of the crew and particularly liked brushing the tops of the trees and seeing everything from a different perspective.
Thanks again will certainly want to re-live the whole experience again in the not too distant future."
Trevor Patterson, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, June 2010
"Thank you for such a beautiful experience and please pass on my thanks to our excellent pilot Malcolm."
Joan Hunter, Naas, June 2010
"Thanks again for a brilliant evening and looking forward to the next flight in Kilkenny."
Patricia O'Byrne, Wexford, June 2010
"I booked my voucher for a morning flight the June Bank Holiday weekend, just a week and a half previous to the Saturday and was lucky enough that weather conditions allowed the flight to go on the booked date! It was a surprise for a friend who as it happens had looked into doing the trip previously and he absolutely loved it!
I must say that the trip was definitely enhanced by the fact that we helped to set up the balloon because it helped me understand the amount of work involved in the venture.
A more blissful & unforgettable 60mins I have not spent in a very long time - Time stood still, and it is something I will never forget.
A wholehearted "Thank You" will you please send onto the driver - (Facial hair,glasses,moustache and long red haired smiley fella) - Names completely escape me - And to your good self for your help in making the booking answering questions etc. Plus da champagne was the icing on the cake! (My strawberries definitely finished it off, to be sure)"
Brighid Liston, Cork, June 2010
"Hi to Pauline, Malcolm and all the team who give us a really deep insight to Hot Air Ballooning and to all your kindness in making it an experience not to forget."
George & Ann (80) Heardman, Banbridge, Co. Down, June 2010
"We had a wonderful time. Closest thing to 'floating on air'. So calming, felt so free - thanks. Tanya & Peggy."
Tanya Sweeney, Bray, Co. Wicklow, June 2010
"Many Thanks to all the guys, it was AMAZING."
Colm Lennon, Ashbourne, June 2010
"Amazing experience thank ye so much well worth waiting for. Another thing marked off the to do list! "
Gillian Lawlor-Ryan, Thurles, June 2010
"We really enjoyed the balloon flight and got a fabulous evening weather wise ! "
Aine McGroarty, Dublin 16, June 2010
"The balloon flight was just so wonderful - from the moment I arrived to the moment I left everyone was pleasant, interesting, encouraging and helpful - particularly yourself, Pauline, and Malcolm, with whom I flew.
The flight comes second only to visiting the Grand Canyon for me, in terms of the exhilaration, beauty and magic of it all and that's in no small way due to the friendliness of everyone from Irish Balloon Flights.
So thank you and I can't wait to fly again."
John MacKenna, Athy, Co. Kildare, June 2010
"I really really enjoyed it so much. I've been raving about it ever since. You must have had fun tonight, saw the big one in flight and it just seemed to be hanging there. Anyway, thanks so much for providing such an invigorating experience. It was amazing to see the locality in all its splendour from another vantage point completely. What a buzz!!! I hope to get the opportunity to go up again soon, will have to get another job! "
Patricia Hehir, Rathmolyon, Co. Meath, June 2010
"Thanks to you and your team for excellent event, I really enjoyed it"
Peter Skulachev, Dublin 13, June 2010
"Hi all just like to say thanks for a lovely flight on 14 June, was worth the wait . "
Finn Morris, Kells, Co. Meath, June 2010
"Many thanks for the lovely balloon trip on Saturday - we really had a lovely time."
Agnes Reddy, Kilkenny, June 2010
"Thanks very much for the experience. We had a great time and have been singing your praise since we got down. I think a few of our friends will be up in the air at some stage. "
Catherine & Stephen Sterritt, Dublin 13, May 2010
"I just wanted to say a very big "thanks" for a wonderful evening and a very enjoyable flight. We are absolutely delighted that it worked out so well tonight."
Gary Smyth, Belfast, May 2010
"The balloon flight was just a terrific experience. I've recommended it to all my friends and family."
Elizabeth Aspinall, Ballynahinch, May 2010
"Thank you so much for the balloon ride, I will certainly be recommending my friends and family take a trip. Thanks again for the amazing time we had, even the staff were also very good fun!"
Cathal Jennings, Dublin 6, May 2010
"Many thanks for the wonderful flight last evening. I appreciate all the help to make this happen from the time I busted my foot and had to cancel. Rita & I really enjoyed every minute and will be recommending it to a wide circle of friends at Rita's special birthday party this weekend. Every good wish for future success of the business."
Tom Kinahan, Naas, Co. Kildare, May 2010
"We really had a fantastic experience on the balloon flight on 17/04/10.It was an unforgettable feeling of freedom, quietness, calm and exhilaration, never to be forgotten.You and your very kind staff worked so hard to make the whole thing such a dream. Ye certainly deserve to succeed in your endeavours. Eileen and I would recommend the thrill of the day to anybody. The final touch from you and your staff of the champagne after the return to base was a touch of class. May ye go from strength to strength. Keep up the good work."
Ambrose McNamara, Ennis, April 2010
"What Can I say. Last Night I fulfilled a Dream and enjoyed one of the most wonderful experiences in my 40+ years on this earth. I experienced lift off! On my list to do, a trip on a Hot Air Balloon was in the top 5. Now I have achieved same. What a wonderful experience. Thank you to Malcolm for his informative narration and constant updates and especially to Pauline. Much appreciated."
Gael Allen, Longwood, Co. Meath, April 2010
"Hi Pauline, thank you so much for such a fantastic day, it completely defied my expectations."
Selena McKenzie, Wicklow, October 2009
"Many thanks for a lovely evening last Sunday. The crack was great."
Mary O'Donnell, Naas, Co. KIldare, October 2009
"I would like to thank you and your team for a remarkable evening. My wife and I had a breathtaking experience."
John Byrne, Mullingar, September 2009
"We had a wonderful time and loved every second of the flight. It was well worth the wait! We'd like to thank you for all the help you gave us with looking after baby Sarah while Jane & I were up in the balloon. Sarah tells us she had a good time and you were very nice to her ;-)"
Stephen and Jane Horgan, Kildare, August 2009
"Thanks to Tom and Mary for the amazing balloon experience on Monday night. It was simply spectacular! Incredibly peaceful, tranquil and serene. It was certainly one of my most favourite experiences. Just wonderful. Thank you so much for making it just perfect. You were great."
Michelle MacMahon, Dunleer, Co. Louth, August 2009
"EVERY SINGLE ONE enjoyed the flight yesterday soooooo much and said it was a fantastic experience. They are all still talking about it today, and I couldn’t really get to sleep as I kept thinking about it (even though it was 2am til I got home to Ennis). Thank you both so much for looking after us so well and making it such a great success. "
Inga Keane (Corporate Flight), Park Hotel, Shannon, August 2009
"I would like to thank you both sincerely for such a wonderful adventure. I had not laughed so much in a long time. The evening was brilliant, the weather fantastic and the Company was inspiring. "
Ann Corry (Corporate Flight), Shannon, August 2009
"A truly amazing experience from start to finish, great to have the “hands on approach” in helping out. Our pilot Tom was wonderful, such an enjoyable flight and definitely an unforgettable experience – thanks to everybody in your crew."
Maeve & Brian Saunders, Portlaoise, August 2009
"It was wonderful. All I had imagined - and more! Excellent 'pilot', excellent service and the surprise landing definitely added to the whole effect. "
Jane Fallon, Kilkenny, June 2009
"We really enjoyed the flight. It was worth the wait. I just didn't want it to end and wish we could have spent longer in the air! At least I can cross that one off my list. Good luck with future flights."
Anne Kavanagh, Waterford, June 2009
"We really enjoyed the flight. It was reassuring to see the professionalism that yourself and Malcolm displayed. Thanks again, we are recommending you to all our friends."
Patrick Fox, Barna, Galway, June 2009
"I found the balloon flight last Thursday a truly uplifting experience (in every sense of the word!). Sailing the sky across the tranquil countryside around Trim was both spectacular and calming. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the teamwork involved in getting airborne and after landing. Many thanks to Pauline and Malcolm for your professionalism, delivered with charm."
Seamus Fitzsimons, Glenageary, Co. Dublin, June 2009
"It was magical, I thoroughly enjoyed it as did everyone."
Elizabeth Ivers, Killiney, Co. Dublin, June 2009
"Thanks again for a great flight, it was amazing."
Gordon Flood, Trim, Co. Meath, June 2009
"Thank you so much Malcolm and Pauline for last night's flight (4th June - Carryduff). I did not realise just how physically strong the operators have to be! I really did appreciate all the effort you put in to making it all such a memorable experience, which I hope to repeat soon. I can highly recommend your professionalism. Excellent."
Joyce Cavalleros, Portrush, Co. Down, June 2009
"Thank you and all the crew for a fabulous flight last Monday….it was both exhilarating and calming at the same time. Some feat! We’ve told all and sundry that it is/was a great experience with a wonderful crew and advise all to book a flight."
Colm and Philippa McGinty, Dublin, June 2009
"Many thanks for a very enjoyable experience, We would do it all again in a heart beat. It exceeded our expectations 1000%"
Linda and Michael Doherty, Ballina, June 2009
"Pauline and Malcolm, Thank you for a fantastic experience. It was worth waiting for and I hope that I have the chance to do it again. Thank you Pauline for the little keepsake (champagne cork 'balloon'), I really love it and am so proud to have it."
Monica Mary Kelly, May 2009
"Would just like to say thanks for a fantastic experience yesterday. We've had a few cancellations since buying our vouchers but we have to say it was definitely worth the wait! Could you pass on our special thanks to Victor and his wife who were so friendly, informative and considerate (never mind the delay in finding us - all part of the adventure!) We are absolutely thrilled with our balloon flight and hope to see you again sometime in the future. Happy flying."
Anne and David Morris, Dublin, May 2009
"Wow! what an experience, I knew nothing about it until lunch time on Saturday as it was a birthday surprise arranged by my wife and boys. It was a wonderful evening and the whole experience of setting up the balloon and getting to know the other passengers all added to the event. Thank you so much it definitely will be a birthday to remember."
John Bennett, Conna, Co. Cork, May 09
"Flight was fantastic. Organisation was top class. Great Fun. Would strongly recommend it."
John Nolan, Listowel, Co. Kerry, May 09
"Just a quick mail to thank you for a lovely evening on Saturday last where we flew ex Cashel. Robert and myself really enjoyed ourselves and want to give a special thanks to Victor and his wife for being so friendly and nice and for looking after us so well on our trip."
Yvonne Fitzsimmons, Castlemartyr, Co. Cork, May 09
"Just a quick mail to thank you all for the terrific experience, just breath taking, would be much obliged if you could pass on our thanks to Victor, our pilot, and his wife, whom both made the flight a very memorable evening, and everyone felt so at ease with Victors competent navigating, thanks to sat nav and ordnance survey maps, think the ladies had the more difficult job of manouvering the bus and trailer down those narrow roads, thank you too you all, all the best, Angela."
Angela Hales, Mallow, Co. Cork, May 09
"Thank You very much for an amazing experience and thanks to the Gods of Weather"
Barry Cullen, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, May 09
"We had a great experience and will definitely fly with you again."
Siobhan O'Callaghan, Limerick, May 09
"I thoroughly enjoyed the balloon flight. It was just magical."
Aoife Treacy, Ballygar, Co. Galway, April 09
"Thank you for a fantastic morning! We had a great time trying to help.
You were all very interesting and entertaining :) And flying in the balloon was amazing, it didn't even feel like flying it was so gentle. We knew we were in really safe hands the whole time."
James Coleman, Cork, April 09
"...Also to say what a brilliant morning for everyone. All I can say is that Jane has yet to touch down and judging by her current state it will be at least another 4 years before she does that. I believe that I can see the start of a savings jar for another bite of the cherry - I might even join her in that.
While I acknowledge that the weather was a significant factor in the success of the flight, but there is a major input from a team that is professional, caring and obviously enjoys a "job" that gives them a deal of pleasure giving pleasure. Well done to all, keep up the challenges and records Pauline and thank you for including me on the 'ground crew'."
Hal and Jane Bleakley, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, April 09
"I would just like to say that we had an unforgettable experience last Saturday evening in Rathsallagh. From the participation in the initial set-up of the balloon through to the take-off, the magical balloon journey and the exciting landing, not to mention the interesting 'wrap' party, it was truly exceptional.
After seeing first-hand the attention to proper preparation and safety, it is a lot more understandable why, because of the changeable Irish weather, that so many balloon flights need to be postponed. However in the end it was well worth the wait ! If I was to compare the balloon trip to anything else, it would be similar to the excitement felt of a first train journey, a first boat trip or a first plane ride ......... only better ! In everything else you are enclosed and looking out at the view but in a balloon you are part of the scenery and truly 'flying without wings'."
Colm McCabe, Santry, Dublin 9, April 09
"Well, the balloon ride was really good and all the waiting was worth it, as we really enjoyed the experience.....Many thanks again and keep up the good work."
Michael Sweeney, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin, April 09
"Many thanks for the flight from Rathsallagh on Sat evening. We all thoroughly enjoyed the event."
Ivan Johnston, Co. Wicklow, April 09
"I enjoyed every minute of the getting ready, the flight and the packing up. The feeling of floating without sound was a beautiful experience. the colours and patterns of the landscape was full of wonder.
Thank you."
Jim Kilgarriff, Rush, Co. Dublin, April 09
"Just wanted to say a big thank you for Saturday. Michael and I both really enjoyed the Balloon ride and it was even more enjoyable than we expected. It was a great morning and lots of fun. "
Bláthnaid McCormack, Dublin,
February 09
"I really enjoyed the flight. Thanks again for a really enjoyable experience."
Barbara Donovan, February 09
"James enjoyed himself immensely."
Attracta Moore, Navan, February 09
"We booked a days shoot with Irish Balloon Flights for our feature film ‘The Fading Light’. As it was February, weather conditions were something to be mindful of and as I had never used a hot air balloon in a shoot before Pauline and her team were very informed, experienced and helpful about the requirements for achieving a good day for ballooning. I found them to be incredibly knowledgeable and efficient in their preparation. They had worked on different shoots before and understood a film company’s needs and requirements.
I would highly recommend them".
AnneMarie Naughton, Producer, Park Films, February 09
"Thank you both for a wonderful December afternoon. Mary-you drove under pressure (icy) and fair play to you, Tom - it was a great experience (have to confess I was a bit jittery for the first 10 mins) but after that it was magical. I will recommend your company-Very 'down to earth'.!!!"
Karine Brown, Navan, December 08
"First of all thanks so
much for a fantastic flight last Sunday, Ciara and I had a brilliant time with
your team.
The weather was beautiful and the trip was absolutely brilliant - such a serene
way to travel!!
It was also really nice to be so involved with setting up and indeed packing
away the balloon before and after the flight."
Barry Thornton, Castleblaney, September 2008
"Just wanted to say thanks a million- the lads really enjoyed the experience."
Katie Chapple, Kilkenny
"Many thanks again for the wonderful flight on Friday....I'll definitely be recommending it to my friends and family."
Nuala O'Sullivan, Kilkenny
"We would really recommend 'Irish Balloon Flights' and look forward to another 'trip of a lifetime' sometime in the future!"
Claire & Joseph Griffin, Kilkenny
"Myself and my friend Wendy, went on your flight yesterday evening from Trim, it was fantastic, stunning, unbelievable, the team you had were great, explaining everything, and very friendly, it was an experience of a lifetime, and would strongly recommend it to everyone I know"
Lisa Nagle, Tallaght
"The weather was beautiful and our pilot, Victor, was great - interesting, interested, very strong on safety, and just good fun."
Colette Healy, Dublin
"I was on the Balloon ride from the Hodson Bay on Sat 12th July at 6pm. From the minute I stepped into the Balloon I felt very comfortable. We had such a smooth take off and we glided over the Shannon. I think everyone on board would have to say a big Thank you to Malcolm and Pauline. The landing was great - one small bump and we were down. This was the part that I was worried about, but there was no need to worry with our capable pilot. As we passed over Athlone town the cars were like Dinky cars you want to reach down and play with them.
We had a wonderful evening and everyone was delighted and so excited with the experience. We arrived back at the Hotel to celebrate with Champagne. I am still on a high. As we drove home nobody could get a word in I was talking so much.
Thanks again to Malcolm and Pauline for making our flight so relaxed and enjoyable."
Nora O'Sullivan, Galway
"Attached are some of the MANY photos we have of the flight from Hodson Bay, as promised. I hope you like them. I would also like to "Thank you" all for making it such an enjoyable experience."
Danny Quinlan, Sligo
"I just want to say thank you for the wonderful experience of the balloon flight which we undertook on Sunday evening in Trim. It was an amazing and enjoyable experience, and well worth the wait!"
Nadine Kavanagh & Dermot Flanagan, Dublin
"My brother & I embarked on a hot air balloon flight yesterday from Mullingar. Weren't sure what to expect but the whole experience surpassed our expectations.
Thoroughly enjoyable, peaceful, safe & a unique experience. Very professionally run.
Upon landing the balloon in a field, the local community came to watch & help. When the local farmer who came down to help was asked by somebody if he minded the balloon landing on his field, he responded by saying "Jesus I haven't seen some of my neighbours in months, its great".
Indeed a charming way to spend a Sunday afternoon."
Paula Culligan, Dublin
"Exhilarating"
Robert Walshe, Broadcaster, Lite FM, Dublin
"For me it was 1000ft and 100 minutes of heaven"
Helena White, Dublin
"Thanks very much for the stunning flight. It was definitely the highlight of our visit."
Karl Minor, Plano, Texas
"One of the most unbelievable experiences of my life."
Colin Curran, Carlow
"The balloon ride was absolutely fantastic."
Fiona Kaur, Dublin
"Was truly a very memorable experience and I'd definitely recommended it to anyone."
Cormac Walshe, Cork
"Weather was perfect and the company excellent , many thanks to your team for making it a wonderful experience."
Annemarie Redmond, Dublin