Sky Diving Ireland: Cost, Age Limits, Safety & Locations

Most people who say they’ll never jump out of a plane change their minds once they’re standing at the edge of the open door, and in Ireland, a tandem skydive costs between €200 and €300 with no upper age limit. This guide breaks down the real costs, safety numbers, and eligibility rules so you can decide if skydiving is for you.

Tandem skydive cost (Ireland): €200–€300 · Minimum age (tandem): 16 · Maximum weight: 95 kg · No upper age limit · Drop zones: 6+

The table below summarizes key skydiving rules from Irish operators.

How much does skydiving cost in Ireland?

For a first-time tandem skydive in Ireland, expect to pay between €200 and €300, depending on altitude and whether you add a media package. Skydive Ireland (the country’s largest operator) lists a basic 7,000 ft jump at £299 (about €345) and an ultimate 15,000 ft jump at £349 (€400), plus a £150 media package. Other operators like Skydive Club Ireland may charge a €35 surcharge for jumpers over 210 lbs (95 kg) and above 71″ tall.

Tandem skydive pricing

• Basic 7,000 ft tandem: £299 (€345) – Skydive Ireland
• Ultimate 15,000 ft tandem: £349 (€400) – Skydive Ireland
• Media package (video + photos): £150 – Skydive Ireland
• Weight surcharge (over 95 kg and 71″+): €35 – Skydive Club Ireland

What’s included in the price

Most tandem packages include instructor, parachute equipment, and basic training. Video and photo packages are usually extra. Prices may vary by altitude and whether you book through a charity event (e.g., Air Ambulance NI offers charity skydives with similar rates).

Bottom line: Tandem skydiving in Ireland typically costs €200–€300. The real cost varies by altitude, media add-ons, and whether you need a weight surcharge. For most beginners, the basic 7,000 ft jump is plenty.

What does sky diving mean?

Skydiving is the act of jumping from an aircraft and freefalling before deploying a parachute. The two main types for beginners are tandem (strapped to an instructor) and solo (after training). Tandem is the most common entry point because it requires no prior experience.

Definition of skydiving

• Jump from an aircraft at 7,000–15,000 ft
• Freefall: 30–60 seconds
• Parachute descent: 5–7 minutes
• Landing: controlled with steering toggles

Difference between tandem and solo skydiving

• Tandem: attached to a certified instructor, no experience needed
• Solo: requires training course (AFF or static line), multiple jumps and exams
• Tandem is safer and cheaper for first-timers

What this means: For first-time jumpers in Ireland, tandem is the default choice. Solo requires a significant time and money investment (€1,000+ for training).

Is there sky diving in Ireland?

Yes – Ireland has multiple active skydiving centers. The AirNav Ireland eAIP (official aviation authority) lists parachuting areas at Clonbullogue (Co. Offaly), Donegal Airport, and Kilkenny Airport, operated by Irish Parachute Club Ltd. and Irish Skydiving Club Ltd. Other operators also serve Dublin, Cork, and Galway.

Skydiving locations in Ireland

• Clonbullogue, Co. Offaly – Irish Parachute Club (daily daylight)
• Donegal Airport – Irish Parachute Club (daily daylight)
• Kilkenny Airport – Irish Skydiving Club (daily daylight)
• Belfast – Skydive Northern Ireland (tandem and AFF)
• Dublin – club-based jumps through Skydive Ireland
• Cork, Galway – seasonal events via mobile drop zones

Indoor skydiving in Ireland

Indoor skydiving (vertical wind tunnel) is available at Skydive Ireland’s facility in Dublin? Actually, indoor skydiving is not widely available in Ireland. The only known indoor venue is closed. Outdoor skydiving remains the main option.

The pattern: Most drop zones are concentrated in the midlands and north, with limited coverage in the west and south. If you’re in Cork or Galway, expect to travel to Offaly or Kilkenny for a jump.

Bottom line: Ireland has multiple drop zones, with the most reliable being in Offaly, Donegal, and Kilkenny. Plan to travel if you’re in the west or south.

Is 40 too old to skydive?

No – 40 is not too old. In Ireland, there is no legal upper age limit for tandem skydiving. Skydive Ireland (tandem page) states their oldest jumper was in their 90s. However, Skydive Ireland’s terms restrict jumpers aged 55 and over with no previous skydiving experience to tandem jumps only. Skydive Club Ireland sets a maximum age of 65 for solo jumps but allows tandem at any age.

Age limits for tandem jumps

• Minimum age: 16 (tandem, with parental consent under 18)
• No upper age limit (tandem): Skydive Ireland, Skydive Club Ireland (65 solo), Air Ambulance NI
• Over 55 first-timers: restricted to tandem only (Skydive Ireland)

Medical considerations for older jumpers

• No major medical restrictions for tandem if you’re generally healthy
• Conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, or joint issues may require a doctor’s note
• Weight limits still apply: 95 kg standard, 82 kg if under 5’4″

Why this matters: Age alone is rarely a barrier. The real gatekeepers are weight, fitness, and medical conditions – not the number of candles on your birthday cake.

How rare is dying from skydiving?

Skydiving fatalities are exceptionally rare. The fatality rate per jump is approximately 0.0004% (1 in 250,000 jumps) according to USPA data. Tandem skydiving has an even lower risk because the instructor handles the entire process. In Ireland, no recent fatalities have been reported at the major clubs.

Skydiving fatality statistics

• Fatality rate per jump: 0.0004% (1 in 250,000)
• Tandem fatality rate: lower than solo (instructor controls deployment)
• Riskiest part: landing (not the jump itself)

Comparison with other activities

• Driving a car: 1 in 107 deaths per billion miles
• Skydiving: 1 in 250,000 jumps fatal
• Scuba diving: 1 in 200,000 dives fatal

The implication: Skydiving is statistically safer than many everyday activities. The risk is real but extremely low, especially for tandem jumps.

Who should not do sky diving?

Certain medical conditions and situations make skydiving unsafe. Skydive Ireland’s Terms require participants to declare any medical conditions. SkyDiveThru (Irish operator) states no serious medical restrictions allowed.

Medical reasons not to skydive

• Heart conditions (arrhythmia, recent heart attack)
• Pregnancy
• Recent surgery (especially back, neck, or joints)
• Severe high blood pressure (uncontrolled)
• Epilepsy (seizure risk)
• Fractures or dislocations in the last 6 months

Restrictions for tandem passengers

• Weight: maximum 95 kg (15 st) standard, or 82 kg (13 st) if under 5’4″
• Age: 16+ with parental consent under 18
• Over 55 first-timers: tandem only

The catch: Even if you have a condition, many operators allow jumps with a doctor’s clearance. Always check with the specific drop zone before booking.

For first-time skydivers in Ireland, the decision is clear: if you’re healthy, within weight limits, and over 16, you can jump. The real cost is €200–€300, the risk is minimal, and the experience is unforgettable. Book direct with a drop zone, get a doctor’s note if needed, and enjoy the ride.

For a detailed breakdown of skydiving in Ireland costs and safety, see skydiving in Ireland costs and safety.

Frequently asked questions