General news & information from the world of Bouncy Castles and the inflatable hire industry, with a focus on Ireland and the UK.
The 2026 survey presents a picture of an established but increasingly pressured inflatable hire industry. Most responding businesses remain operationally stable and confidence in their own businesses is moderate.
In today’s world, children are spending more time indoors, more time on screens, and less time engaging in the kind of active, physical play that is essential for their development.
Ireland’s new inflatable safety regulations, introduced on 2 October 2025, have completely reshaped the legal and financial landscape for inflatable hire operators, buyers, sellers, schools, and community groups.
The Irish Inflatable Hirers Federation (IIHF) wishes to inform all members and the wider inflatable hire industry that new national legislation governing the operation of inflatables and fairground equipment is now in force.
Following up on our previous news update from 11 October 2024 (Read here), we would like to provide you with the latest developments regarding the new legislation on safety testing and the hiring of inflatable units.
We are pleased to share an important legislative update that reflects a significant milestone for our industry. The Planning and Development Act 2024 (“the Act”) was signed into law by President Higgins on 17 October 2024, introducing critical regulations for the inflatable hire sector in Ireland.
What is a safe wind speed for inflatables? Some of the most serious accidents involving inflatables occur due to high winds.
For more that a few years now the inflatable industry in Ireland has been without an insurance company willing to underwrite the risk or perceived risk associated with the renting of inflatables such as bouncing castles, obstacle courses, slides and a whole range of other inflatable games.
Bouncy Castle Hire – Hiring a Bouncy Castle, Inflatable Slide, or Obstacle Course for a birthday party, Holy Communion, or just a fun day at home, is the best and healthiest wholesome fun that can be had for your children and your guests.
