News

The Burren & Cliffs Explorer shuttle bus service is returning for the 2026 season with an expanded offering, connecting towns, villages and key visitor attractions across North and West Clare.

Relaunching on Thursday, May 21, 2026, this season marks the second year of the pilot scheme.

A joint initiative of Clare County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), supported by Fáilte Ireland, the service will run until Sunday, September 20, 2026, providing locals and visitors with a sustainable and convenient transport option throughout the region.

The shuttle bus will serve Ballyvaughan, Corofin, Carran, Kilfenora, Doolin, Liscannor, Lahinch, Lisdoonvarna, Ennistymon, Miltown Malbay and Spanish Point, while continuing to connect passengers with major visitor attractions including the Burren National Park and the Cliffs of Moher Experience.

New for 2026, the service has been expanded to include Ennistymon and Spanish Point, following community feedback which highlighted strong support for the continuation of the service.

Director of Services of Tourism, Festivals, Libraries & Cultural Services at Clare County Council, Siobhán McNulty said the Burren and Cliffs Explorer offers a flexible and practical way to experience North and West Clare:

“The Burren & Cliffs Explorer provides a convenient and sustainable transport option that allows visitors and locals to enjoy our natural and cultural attractions at their own pace. Public engagement sessions held ahead of the new tourist season reinforced the importance of incorporating community needs into the service. Where possible, the service has been adapted in response to community input and is designed to support and serve tourism development in a balanced and sustainable way.”

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD commented, “I would like to congratulate the NPWS and Clare County Council on the success of the Burren and Cliff of Moher Explorer bus service in 2025, and I am delighted to support this collaboration again in 2026.”

“The service has provided tangible benefits in terms of the environment and biodiversity, and at the same time provided a transport alternative for visitors and local communities accessing the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. It is heartening to see two public bodies work closely together to promote and develop a more sustainable model for managing tourism in this unique and sensitive landscape.”

Welcoming the continued partnership with the Council, Midwest Divisional Manager with the NPWS, William Cormacan said, “The service has provided greater accessibility to the Burren National Park. This is one of several initiatives we work closely with Clare County Council to promote a more sustainable model for developing and managing tourism, and for protecting natural heritage in the Burren and wider county. We hope that visitors and the local communities in North Clare avail of this great service, which has multiple benefits, including environmental benefit, which support the protection of natural heritage in North Clare”.

Full details on routes, timetables, and itineraries are available at: www.cliffsofmoher.ie/burren-and-cliffs-of-moher-explorer