Public transport between Skibbereen and Cork is set for a significant enhancement with the introduction of a new integrated schedule supported by enhanced commercial bus service, Route 230, operated by West Cork Connect, alongside revisions to Bus Éireann’s existing Route 237.
More frequent, reliable, accessible bus service for Skibbereen to Cork route
Together, these services will deliver a more frequent, reliable, and accessible public transport link, significantly improving connectivity for communities across West Cork. The integrated schedule aims to enhance access to key services including healthcare, education, and employment.
Up to 16 daily services from 29th June
From 29th June, the new integrated timetable will offer sixteen daily services in each direction Monday to Friday, and twelve on weekends. Services will be evenly spaced throughout the day, with hourly departures to and from Cork, creating a convenient and accessible timetable for local communities.
West Cork Connect’s bus Route 230 and Bus Éireann’s Route 237
Under the integrated schedule, West Cork Connect’s Route 230 will be enhanced to provide ten daily return services on weekdays and seven on weekends, complementing Bus Éireann’s existing Route 237. Both routes follow a similar alignment, improving options for commuters, students, and visitors throughout the region.
In tandem, Bus Éireann’s Route 237 is also being revised, with the introduction of amended morning departures and later evening services, operating seven days a week, with five daily departures from Cork City and seven daily departures to Cork City.
Increased bus services between Skibbereen and Cork, as well as between Cork and Goleen
Jeremy Ryan, Director of Public Transport Services at the National Transport Authority said: “The increase in bus services between Skibbereen and Cork are significant for the people living along the route and in the West Cork area. By enhancing Route 230 to complement the revised 237 service from Bus Éireann, we’re offering a more comprehensive and accessible transport network for the region.”
“Bus Éireann is delighted to introduce these updated services between Cork and Goleen, increasing transport options for passengers in the region,” said Aled Williams, Senior Regional Manager, South, Bus Éireann. “These improvements will positively impact passengers travelling for work, leisure, health and education. Thanks to the NTA, through the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan we have added over 2.3 million kilometres to our network nationwide. Demand for our services in Cork is high and we have seen considerable growth in recent years, delivering over 111.6 million passenger journeys last year. Bus Éireann continues to enhance connectivity across the country, delivering an affordable, reliable and sustainable bus service for communities throughout Ireland, helping to make life better.”
A major milestone for the people of West Cork
Damien Long, owner of West Cork Connect, commented on the enhancement of Route 230 saying: “This is a massive step forward for public transport in West Cork and something we’ve been working towards since day one. West Cork Connect is now delivering what passengers have been asking for – a more frequent and flexible service that gives people real options for daily travel. This really is a major milestone for the region and it’s only the beginning. There’s more to come as West Cork Connect continues working to improve transport for the people of West Cork.”
NTA’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan
An increase in the level of bus services on this corridor is an objective of the NTA’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network.
Further enhancements to services along this corridor are currently in development, and the NTA remains committed to continuously monitoring performance to deliver an efficient and accessible timetable for all passengers.
For full timetables, fare information, and journey planning:
- For details on Route 230, operated by West Cork Connect, please visit WestCorkConnect.ie/
- For details on Route 237, operated by Bus Éireann, please visit BusÉireann.ie