Got a Question?

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions relating to hiring our inflatables and games. If your question isn't answered here... don't worry, it obviously isn't a common one, so give us a call on 085-2866113 and we'd be happy to answer.

1. How do I book?
To book with First Class Castles, you can check availability and book online via our website – click on the purple box to the left of your screen "Check Availability & Book On-Line Now". Alternatively you can email your booking request to info@firstclasscastles.com or simply give us a call.

2. How much notice do I need to give you for a booking?
You can book anytime, however we recommend to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment, especially if you have preference over a particular inflatable. You can call us on the day of your event to book but availability and delivery slots may be limited.

3. How much does it cost?
At First Class Castles we are so confident of our competitive prices, we keep them displayed on our website. Please be aware that discounts and surcharges may apply depending on delivery area, time of week, hire period etc. . . . Corporate pricing differs, please contact us for pricing.

4. What do the prices include?
All prices include delivery on the day at a specified time to suit the customer, installation of the inflatable by our professional team and collection of the inflatable on the same day. First Class Castles also provide our customers with extension cables and safety mats free of charge.

5. Do I have to pay a deposit?
Yes, a deposit is required to secure any booking unless otherwise agreed with us. The standard deposit amount is €50 and is payable via our website. We use WorldPay to take payment, don’t worry if you do not have a WorldPay account you can pay as a ‘Guest’ (follow the on-screen instructions). Deposits are then deductible from the total price, for example, if you pay a €50 deposit on an inflatable with a total price of €150, the balance of €100 is due on delivery. Deposits are non-refundable but are transferrable to other dates within the same calendar year.

6. How do I pay?
Most people choose to pay the balance via cash on delivery. Inflatables will not be set-up in your garden without payment first. Cheque payments will not be accepted on the day of delivery as a form of payment. Cheque payments need to be received 10 working days before the booking date for funds to clear. All cheque payments should be made payable to First Class Castles and posted to our office in sufficient time.

Alternatively you can pay online via our website. We use WorldPay to take payment, don’t worry if you do not have a WorldPay account you can pay as a ‘Guest’ (follow the on-screen instructions). You can also pay via bank transfer, please email info@firstclasscastles.com for our bank details.

7. What are the Delivery and Collection Times?
Standard delivery times are between 9am and 12noon on the hire date. Collections commence at 7pm on the hire date. The minimum amount of time you will have your inflatable for is 7 hours. Extended hire periods are available for a nominal fee subject to availability. However, we are flexible and will try to cater for your requirements as best we can.

If you have booked a hall/hotel or another venue for your party we can accommodate special delivery times providing it is confirmed at time of booking.

8. What if I need to cancel?
If for any reason you need to cancel please contact us as soon as possible to confirm the same. Deposits are non-refundable but they are transferrable within the same calendar year, for example, if you book and pay a deposit on an inflatable for June 2015 but must cancel for some reason, the deposit you paid is not refundable but can be used against another booking – but this booking must be within the 2015 calendar year, it cannot be used in 2016, for example.

The latest you can cancel is 8am on the hire date, any products cancelled after this time will be liable for the full hire cost.

9. What happens in the case of inclement weather conditions?
Safety is number one priority at First Class Castles and we will not hire out any inflatables if we deem the weather conditions to be unsafe. The majority of our inflatables have a built in shower cover so they can still be used in showery conditions. Inflatables should not be used in very heavy rain due to safety reasons. However, windy conditions are the biggest factor in preventing the installations of inflatables. If the winds are too strong or if high winds are forecast, in this instance we have no other choice but to postpone the booking – this is for safety reasons.

If your booking has to be cancelled due to weather conditions, in this case your booking deposit is not refunded but is transferrable to another date.

10. What sort of surface do you need for the inflatable?
Inflatables situated outdoors need to be setup on a flat surface preferably a grassy area where the unit can be staked down. When it is not possible to stake the inflatable down we can use heavy sand bags. The area must be clear of sharp objects such as rocks, not muddy or covered in dog’s mess. However, it is assumed that all inflatables will be setup on grass at time of booking – it is up to the customer to inform us otherwise, if the inflatable is not going on grass then we need to bring sandbags and these are not carried in the van as standard. We reserve the right to cancel the booking and not install our equipment on unsuitable ground.

11. Can you set up on concrete / driveways / decking?
No, the only surface the inflatables can be setup on is on real grass in a private garden. We cannot setup on any hard surface and we cannot use sandbags etc. to tie the castle down.

12. Can the bouncy castle be set up on a slope?
No, this is not possible however if it is a very slight grass slope it may be ok, you will need to discuss this with us prior to the booking.

13. How much access space is needed?
We need a minimum of 3ft wide clear access to deliver most castles. However, some products such as bouncy slides, obstacle courses and various others will require more than a 3ft wide clear access – if you are in any doubt about the size of the access to your garden the onus is on the customer to notify us at time of booking. Please note, it is not possible to lift inflatable over garden walls etc.

You will need to allow a minimum of 4 feet at the front and rear of the inflatable and 2 feet either side of the inflatable - this is to meet safety regulations. Please note that the inflatables cannot be touching any walls, fencing, garden buildings etc... As these will damage the inflatables.

14. Can you deliver with no side entrance and take castle through the house?
Yes, but only a selected number of inflatables will be small enough to fit through a regular house door. If the only access to your garden is via your house you can call us and we can recommend the most suitable inflatable.

15. How long does it take to set up/inflate/deflate/pack up the inflatable?
The inflatables take approx. 15 minutes to set up and 20 minutes to pack up by our efficient team. However this is only an estimate, times may vary depending on which inflatable you hire as larger units and multiple hires may take longer.

16. When I hire an inflatable is there anything I need to provide?
We supply all the equipment you will need for the inflatable, you will need to provide a mains 13amp socket power supply (a regular household socket) within 10 metres of the proposed location of the inflatable. If you have queries regarding power supply please contact us.

17. Is there a limit to the number of children that can use the inflatable at any given time?
Yes, each inflatable has a clearly visible safety statement printed on it, outlying recommended capacity. Our operators can also advise on the capacities of our inflatables by calling 085-2866112 or they can advise upon delivery.

18. Can different age groups use the inflatable at any given time?
We would not recommend mixing different age groups at any given time on an inflatable – it is recommended to keep age groups segregated to avoid injury.

19. Are your units clean and do they meet latest safety standards?
Yes. All our inflatables are clean and are compliant with the latest EU safety regulations. We are committed to making sure that your children are playing in a clean, healthy, and safe environment. You will not hire an inflatable with tears, patches or holes from us – our products are no more than two seasons old.

20. Is it expensive to run an inflatable for a day?
Not really, usually around €2.00 per day per inflatable. Some inflatable such as Obstacle Courses require two inflation fans and would cost approx. €4.00 per day to operate. It is important to remember that the inflation fan is kept running all day.

21. Do you supply Generators?
Yes, we can arrange a generator at an additional cost. We are not licenced to sell fuel, therefore each generator will be provided with one fill only from the hire company, as is common practice.

22. Are you insured?
Yes. We are fully insured for public liability cover (including licenced premises) and copies of the insurance certificate can be supplied on request along with safety certificates for each inflatable. However, you will be required to sign a disclaimer upon arrival on setting up your inflatable. Please note that all users are using the equipment at their own risk. The person(s) or organisation(s) hiring the equipment will be liable for any damage or injury occurring from or as a result of use, misuse or reckless use. We cannot accept responsibility for any injury caused to anyone using the equipment.

22. Do you supply safety instructions?
Yes we provide detailed safety instructions with every hire, as well as a disclaimer which must be signed by the person(s)/organisation(s) hiring the inflatable.

23. What is the best way to contact us?
Our office hours are Monday – Friday, 9am to 6pm. Outside of these hours, the office phones are directed to our mobile phones and we generally tend to answer! However, if you can’t get through to us please leave a voicemail and we will return the call as soon as possible – we will return the call no later than 11am on the following working day.

24. Where do you deliver to?

We are based in County Waterford and deliver to Waterford City and County free of charge. We also deliver to some border towns free of charge also, such as, Carrick-On-Suir and Clonmel in County Tipperary. We do travel to other locations in the South East but may be subject to a delivery charge.

We do travel nationwide for larger orders, however, delivery charges may apply depending on the total spend of the order.

We do not travel to Dublin for small orders such as the hire of one bouncy castle, generally orders to Dublin would have to be to the value of €600 and above.

We supply our services to the South East of Ireland including Co. Waterford, Waterford City, South Tipperary, Kilkenny, East Cork, West Wexford, Ballinamona, Tramore, Dunmore East, Passage East, Kilmeaden, Butlerstown, Kill, Bonmahon, Annestown, Fenor, Faithlegg, Dunhill, Kilmacthomas, Leamybrien, Abbeyside, Clashmore, Stradbally, Faha, Clonmel, Marlfield, Newcastle, Fethard, Clerihan, Rathgormack, Dungarvan, Kilrossanty, Portlaw, Piltown, Clonea, Carrick on Suir, Mooncoin, Mullinavat, Kilmacow, Owning, Bigwood, Woodstown, Hugginstown, Ballyhale, Listerlin, Instioge, New Ross, Ardmore, Youghal, Lismore, Affane, Cappoquin, Mellery, Knockanore, Ballinamult, Aglish, Villierstown, Ring, Tourneena, Old Parish, Tallow, Ballymacarbry, Ballynaboola, Campile, Glenmore, Slieverue, Ferrybank & surrounding areas. See our delivery areas page for further information.

Top Tips!

Tip 1

Deal with a reputable company ... a few background checks will save you a lot of stress! Check out the companies reviews on Facebook & Google Places or simply ask your friends to recommend somebody. Make sure the company has a genuine address and a landline contact number, if they don't the Cowboy's are in town. The number of calls we've had on Saturday mornings, due to so called companies not turning up, is unbelievable and very disappointing for all concerned. We understand how important your kids are and their happiness on a special occasion is to you, we will endeavour to do everything in our power to make their day as fun and as enjoyable as possible! The fact that we will be guaranteed to show up is a major advantage in itself :)

Tip 2

Plan well in advance, especially around Communion season where units get booked out months and months in advance! Our company does end to book our very quickly due to our established reputation and large repeat clientele base.

Tip 3

Choose age appropriate equipment. If in doubt, ask. We are the experts and as we have a huge range, we can provide the advice you require in order to select the most appropriate piece of equipment for your space.

Tip 4

Always check with your supplier on delivery and collection dates. We never arrive back mid party saying "Hi, We're here to collect the bouncy castle"!, all our delivery and collection times are chosen by you the customer when placing your order online. Overnight hire is also available for an additional fee if required.

Tip 5

Read Tip 1 again! We cannot stress how important this is.