Free bus service will allow Kilkenny people to visit scenic location
The Barrow Bus will bring people from east Kilkenny and south Carlow out to the Blackstairs Mountains at the Scullogue Gap
After three months in operation, the Barrow Bus has added a Sunday route, bringing people from east Kilkenny and south Carlow out to the Blackstairs Mountains at the Scullogue Gap.
The Barrow Bus is an action-research project by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership running this summer and autumn to understand the mobility needs of the communities along the route.
CEO Declan Rice explained the reason for adding this route to the project, stating that “the great outdoors in rural Ireland almost always requires people to have a private car.”
“We have fantastic tourism facilities and natural amenities to enjoy, but we haven’t built transport infrastructure to help bring people there,” he explained.
“We want to see if there is demand for this kind of service, as well as building on the popularity of the usual Monday to Saturday schedule.”
The regular service, running free of charge Monday to Saturday between Bagenalstown and Graignamanagh or St Mullins, has proven to be a hit with visitors and locals alike.
The bus has been serving an average of 25 people every day, reaching over 50 people on several occasions.
Passengers have reported more convenient work commutes, new chances to socialise and encouragement to explore more of the Barrow Valley.
“People like to be tourists in their own community,” Rice explained. “Sometimes the presence of a bus service sparks an interest and gives people a nudge to venture out somewhere new. We’ve seen several groups get together to use the Barrow Bus this way - friends and family members through to active retirement groups and Men’s Sheds.
“We’d love to see more of the same taking up the opportunity to enjoy the Blackstairs Mountains. We’re calling on walking groups and anyone with an interest in hiking to make the most of the service while it runs on until mid-October.”
All Barrow Bus services are free. Booking ahead is recommended at barrowbus.palisis.com where the full timetable for all routes can be found.