On Thursday 21 May 2026 the Burren Explorer bus service restarts for a second year, and is scheduled to operate until 20 September. Kilfenora is a key hub for bus services to a range of other Burren villages, towns and attractions. The Explorer website can be found here.
There have been significant improvements made since 2025, addressing many of the defects pointed out to the Explorer project team before the launch last year, but not responded to. However in recent months the Explorer team started to engage and learn from community representatives and some local businesses. The Local Link bus team also provided useful advice.
Improvements include simpler and more joined up timetables – for example Doolin is now connected to Kilfenora (new BC2 service), and in general Kilfenora has better connections than in 2025. Users can use the TFI app to work out their journeys, integrating the Explorer with Bus Eireann and Local Link services to Kilfenora and around N Clare. Pre-booking is no longer required. There are supposed to be seasonal bus stops placed in Kilfenora Square (not installed yet). Free entry to the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre is still included.
Following the example set last year by the Burren Visitor Centre, the Explorer now provides suggested itineraries, so that visitors can plan their day using the Bus to tour around the area.
Unfortunately there are still flaws, particularly in the website’s descriptions of villages – text errors, some misinformation and quite uneven descriptions (some local facilities/attractions described and others notably absent). This arises from a continuing failure to consult local communities and businesses. The defects have been pointed out to the Explorer team but so far there is no sign of correction. This may annoy or amuse local users, but visitors obviously deserve accurate information.
Also the service only covers a few months of what is now an extended tourism season; there is no direct connection from Kilfenora to the National Park, despite huge visitor demand for this; and as yet there is no published advice for disabled travellers (legally required), despite this being requested.
Overall, however a free bus service must be surely be welcomed. Local residents are encouraged to use it as an alternative to driving – and to ensure any visitors they deal with are well informed. Both the environment and road safety will be helped by having less cars on our crowded rural roads.
There are printed timetables in the Burren Visitor Centre, and the Explorer website has all the information on itineraries and downloadable timetables. The Explorer team in particular hope the service is well supported by accommodation providers, local businesses and residents. This is important if this service is to have a long-term future.
