A new hop-on, hop-off shuttle bus service connecting towns, villages, and top visitor attractions across North and West Clare has been officially launched.
The free Burren and Cliffs Explorer is a joint initiative of Clare County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), supported by Fáilte Ireland, and is available for online bookings.
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, Michael Cusack Heritage Centre, The Burren Visitor Centre, and Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan 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.”
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.