Pictured at the launch of the Burren and Cliffs Explorer at the Cliffs of Moher Experience (left to right) Cllr Shane Talty (Chair, Tourism Development SPC); Malachy Corcoran (National Parks and Wildlife Service); Siobhan McNulty (Director of Tourism Development, Clare County Council); Cllr. Rita McInerney (Cathaoirleach, West Clare MD); Siobhan King (Fáilte Ireland); Carmel Kirby (Interim CEO, Clare County Council); William Cormacan (NPWS); and Geraldine O’Rourke (General Manager, Clare Tourism West).. Photograph: Eamon Ward
A FREE and new hop-on hop-off shuttle bus service connecting towns and villages in North and West Clare with top visitor attractions in the area has been officially launched.
Online bookings are now being accepted for the free Burren and Cliffs Explorer. The shuttle bus service is a joint initiative of Clare County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), supported by Fáilte Ireland.
Running as a pilot project from May 1 to August 31, with the possibility of an extension into September, the service links destinations including Ballyvaughan, Corofin, Carran, Kilfenora, Doolin, Liscannor, and Lahinch. It also stops at key hubs like Lisdoonvarna and Miltown Malbay, where free parking is available.
Passengers have easy access to some of the region’s best-known attractions, with the service stopping off at the Burren National Park, the Cliffs of Moher Experience, Aillwee Burren Experience, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Michael Cusack Heritage Centre, The Burren Visitor Centre, and Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations.
There are seven buses in the fleet and the contract to operate the shuttle bus was won by Clare transport company, C&C Executive Travel.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan (FF) TD commented, “I am delighted to support this collaboration between the NPWS and Clare County Council, which supports the Department’s vision of developing Corofin as a gateway to the Burren National Park. The new shuttle service will assist in providing a more sustainable model for accessing the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, which will have benefits in terms of the environment and biodiversity, and at the same time providing a transport alternative for visitors and local communities”.
Siobhán McNulty, Director of Tourism Development, Clare County Council, said, “The Burren and Cliffs Explorer aims to enrich the visitor experience while supporting sustainable tourism. By strengthening transport links between our communities, we are encouraging visitors to leave their cars behind and fully experience the distinctive charm of our towns and attractions. This approach not only benefits the environment but also boosts local economies”.
Ms. McNulty acknowledged the local community for its contribution to the development of the new service. “To ensure the initiative reflects community priorities, public consultation events were held in early April at Miltown Malbay Community Centre and The Burren Visitor Centre in Kilfenora. These sessions invited input from residents, businesses, and stakeholders to help shape the service in line with local needs and aspirations,” she explained.
Welcoming the collaborative approach to developing the service, William Cormacan, Midwest Manager with the NPWS, stated, “We are proud to collaborate with Clare County Council on this sustainable initiative. It not only improves access to the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of North and West Clare but also reinforces our commitment to protecting Ireland’s natural heritage for future generations”. He said it was developing a template on how the NPWS should work.
Speaking at Thursday’s official launch at the Cliffs of Moher, Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) stated, “it is a great opportunity for our villages to engage more fully with the Cliffs of Moher Exeprience, it is an amazing attraction in Ireland. We need to get more flights into Shannon Airport and expand on our success. It is a real opportunity to connect our villages with our tourism attractions”. She said the Explorer creates “an amazing experience” to allow visitors traverse towns and villages while connecting with the various communities.
Those present at Thursday’s official launch of the Explorer including senior management of Clare County Council including Interim Chief Executive, Carmel Kirby, Director of Tourism Development, Siobhán McNulty and Acting Director of Economic Development, Seán Lenihan. Tourism representatives in attendance were Geraldine O’Rourke, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Jarlath O’Dwyer, CEO of the Burren EcoTourism Network, Carol Gleeson, Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark manager and Nuala Mulqueeney, Managing Director of the Ailwee Burren Experience.
Elected members of Clare County Council present were Cllr Rita McInerney (FF), Cllr Shane Talty (FF), Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG), Cllr Joe Killeen (FF), Cllr Dinny Gould (IND) and Cllr Michael Shannon (FF).
For full details on the Burren and Cliffs Explorer, including timetables, route information, and to pre-book your seat, visit www.cliffsofmoher.ie/burren-and-cliffs-of-moher-explorer.
