New free Kilkenny bus service launches giving passengers a chance 'to explore'
Lingaun Loop links with passengers from Tipperary, Waterford and Kilkenny
Car-free visitors to Kilkenny in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East now have an opportunity to explore a sacred, unspoilt valley that straddles three counties, and experience 5,000 years of history, on a 50km loop, all at their own pace.
The Lingaun Loop bus service pilot begins this Saturday, May 31, offering visitors to the South-East an opportunity to link in with the orbital minibus service from existing bus or train routes in Kilkenny, Waterford and Tipperary. The free mini-bus service allows visitors to venture deep into the Lingaun Valley in the heart of rural Ireland and visit its high crosses, castles, churches and tombs and enjoy a variety of walks and hikes, stopping off at local cafes and pubs along the way.
The Lingaun Loop will orbit the area five times a day, seven days a week, starting at 9.30am and finishing just after 5.20pm. Stops include Tullahought, Kilkieran High Crosses, Parkside in Carrick-on-Suir, Dove Hill Centre, Kilsheelan, Kilcash Village, Kilcash Castle, Grangemockler, Killamery, Windgap, Knockroe Passage Tomb, Slate Quarries and Ahenny High Crosses. The full timetable and details about how to link with the loop are available on the Lingaun Valley website, https://lingaunvalley.ie/lingaun-loop-bus-service/
The Lingaun Loop is being piloted by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership in association with the Local Link service until September. The project is co-funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The ‘action research’ pilot initiative will feed into a research project which will showcase demand and mobility options throughout the summer season. The raw data collected will be used to determine the feasibility of operating the service beyond the pilot term.
“We are eager to encourage visitors to Ireland’s Ancient East to discover the captivating Lingaun River that runs through this small, quiet valley and forms the border between south-west Kilkenny and south-east Tipperary. The pilot service is innovative in concept, in line with the philosophy of the LEADER Programme," said Declan Rice, CEO, Kilkenny LEADER Partnership.
“We are also hoping that locals, who have been very supportive in establishing this route, will use this orbital service, linking up with other services or on to neighbouring towns and villages. We’re also anticipating that the free service might encourage people to take the opportunity to discover the gems that are on our doorstep, but they’ve not yet taken the time to explore, experience and enjoy. We’re asking service users to plan ahead. Not all stops have shops, cafes or other facilities so they need to be mindful of this and plan accordingly.”
Richie Walsh, Chairperson of Lingaun Valley Tourism said the new service is the ideal way to experience the sacred Lingaun Valley car and stress free. “This really is an opportunity for people to venture deep into the Lingaun Valley and pick and choose where they want to go, what they want to see. We’ve worked hard to develop this route, to improve signage and information points across the Valley and make sure service users have the best possible experience.
“We now need those meeting and greeting visitors to the region to spread the word, get people using the service and make it sustainable into the future. It’s in all of our interests to ensure the free service is used and it is tailored/tweaked to make it of service to locals and visitors alike.”