A new free hop-on hop-off shuttle bus service connecting some of south Galway’s most important literary, cultural and natural heritage sites has begun operating this week. The service was launched at Coole Park today (Tuesday ) by Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Sean Canney.
Funded and operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS ), the new Yeats-Gregory Explorer shuttle bus service will run daily until August 31, linking Gort town centre with Coole Park Nature Reserve, Kiltartan Gregory Museum, Thoor Ballylee, Kilmacduagh Monastery and Garryland Nature Reserve.
The initiative aims to support sustainable tourism by encouraging visitors to leave their cars in Gort and explore the wider Coole Park and south Galway heritage landscape at their own pace. The service also improves access for visitors arriving in Gort by rail and regional bus services.
The service was developed in close consultation with Galway County Council and Fáilte Ireland.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney, said the new service will improve connectivity between some of south Galway's most important visitor attractions, while encouraging more sustainable travel choices.
“By linking public transport with heritage and tourism destinations, this service will help both visitors and local communities experience the region in a more accessible and environmentally responsible way," he added.
“I am delighted to officially launch this new service and commend the National Parks and Wildlife Service and all partners involved for bringing this exciting project to fruition.
“By encouraging visitors to explore this unique landscape without relying on private cars, the service demonstrates how conservation, public engagement and local tourism can work together in a positive and practical way.”
Midwest divisional manager with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, William Cormacan, said the service was a significant initiative for the NPWS and for south Galway.
"This new service allows visitors to experience the remarkable landscape that inspired Lady Gregory, WB Yeats and many of the leading figures of the Irish Literary Revival, while also helping to protect that landscape," Mr Cormacan added.
“This project reflects the NPWS commitment not only to protecting biodiversity and natural heritage, but also to supporting public engagement with the landscapes, history and cultural heritage connected to these places. We are delighted to work with local partners to deliver this new visitor experience.”
The Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society also welcomed the initiative. “The society is working increasingly closely with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure that the rich literary legacy of WB Yeats at Thoor Ballylee is secured now and for future generations," the society said in a statement. "We congratulate the NPWS on this excellent initiative, and hope that the public embrace this free service, which enables them to explore the rich cultural history of south Galway.”
The Yeats-Gregory Explorer will operate as a flexible hop-on hop-off service with multiple daily departures from Market Square in Gort.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, has also welcomed the new shuttle service.
“This initiative is an excellent example of how sustainable visitor infrastructure can help people experience and appreciate Ireland’s natural, literary and cultural heritage while supporting biodiversity protection and more sustainable tourism,” Minister O'Sullivan said.
Further information, including route maps and timetables, is available through NPWS and partner promotional channels, and on the CoolePark.ie website.
