South Kilkenny's history and heritage are just a short spin away with the Loop

Walking and hiking enthusiasts from across Ireland and overseas are revelling in the free Lingaun Loop Bus Service, a pilot rural transport initiative that is proving increasingly popular among locals and visitors alike.

The free minibus service links in with existing bus services from Kilkenny, Tipperary and Waterford and orbits breathtaking parts of South Kilkenny and South Tipperary five times a day, seven days a week.

The Lingaun Loop stops off at 13 different locations on the 50km loop. The Lingaun Valley features some of Ireland’s finest loop, lake and river walks, hikes and climbs in a history-steeped, border region dotted with ancient and sacred sites. The service is likely to prove even more popular during National Heritage Week, which runs from Auguts 16 to 25, as locals and visitors celebrate Ireland’s cultural, built, and natural heritage.
READ: NEW ORBITAL BUS SERVICE BRINGS A WORLD OF ATTRACTIONS

Passengers are encouraged to hop off and enjoy a myriad of outdoor experiences, including hiking Sliabh na mBan, the mountain of women.

Dramatic view
The 721m high mountain provides a dramatic view. Legend has it that Fionn Mac Cumhaill, who was sought after by many women, set up a race to find a suitable life partner. The first woman to race to the top was Grainne, who later became his wife.

Loop walks in Windgap and the Kilmacoliver loop in Tullahought also are proving equally popular, as well as river walks at other stops which include Carrick-on-Suir and Kilsheelan. Passengers can alight in Kilsheelan and experience the Suir Blueway at their leisure.

Ramble
Passengers can unwind in the Lakeside tearooms in Windgap after they’ve enjoyed a ramble at their leisure around the nearby lake. Those alighting in Grangemockler can enjoy a leisurely take-away lunch and treats from the local bakery in the adjoining picnic area and stroll to Michael Hogan’s resting place. They can also visit a statue erected in honour of the legendary footballer, who was shot dead in Croke Park on Bloody Sunday in 1921.

Lovers of the great outdoors can then rejoin the free orbital service on its next or subsequent loop. The free minibus also stops at or close to a myriad of ancient landmarks, including Knockroe Passage Tomb, Oromonde Castle and majestic high crosses at Killamery, Ahenny and Kilkieran. Kilcash Castle and Carrick-On-Suir Castle are also a must-see for history lovers using the service for the summer months.

The free, action-research initiative is piloted by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership in association with Lingaun Valley Tourism and the Ring a Link local bus service.

Declan Rice, Kilkenny LEADER Partnership CEO, said a great mix of locals and visitors are using the free, daily service.
“We’ve had some fantastic feedback from a variety of service users,” he said. “Some of these are locals, others are visitors to the region, many of them from overseas.

“We’re all guilty of either not exploring gems on our doorstep or just visiting cities or going by recommended hotspots when we’re away,” he added. “There is so much to see, do and explore in the Lingaun Valley and the free pilot bus service is the best way to explore this region stress free, without a car and at our own pace.”

Service users will be asked to fill out a questionnaire across July, August, and September. This data will feed into an action research project which will assess the feasibility of making the Lingaun Loop a permanent fixture on the Kilkenny-Tipperary border.