New bus service links Mizen Head and Skibbereen

A new bus service connecting Mizen Head to Skibbereen with three daily return trips commenced yesterday, following a campaign by Cork South-West Independent Ireland TD Michael Collins.

The new service, Route 265, connects Barleycove, Crookhaven, Goleen, Lowertown, Schull, Ballydehob, Aghadown, Lisheen, Church Cross, and Skibbereen.

Running from Monday to Sunday, including public holidays, the aim is to improve peak time services and connectivity to regional bus services, the Mizen Head Visitor Centre, Crookhaven Harbour, and Barleycove Beach.

Transport for Ireland (TFI) Cork manager David O’Brien said it will provide people living along the route with access to services and onward connections on a daily basis, adding: 

“It will mean a significant improvement in the quality of life for people living in these areas. People can now access a wide range of public and social services, training courses, colleges, hospital appointments, banks — along with onward bus and train connections.”

At present the earliest departure from Crookhaven will be at 7.45am each morning while later services will depart from Barleycove at 10.50am and 3.05pm. The Mizen Head stop will be introduced in March of next year. On the return route, the earliest service leaves Skibbereen at 9.10am with additional services leaving at 1pm and 5.05pm.

Michael Collins was in Crookhaven yesterday to see off the first-ever bus on the service.

“It’s a great morning here,” said Mr Collins. “It’s a fantastic new route — I thank the minister, I will thank the TFI, I will thank anyone, because I spent maybe eight years in the Dáil looking for a proper service for the people of this area.

“In case you think it’s taking people away from Crookhaven, it’s bringing people also.

“It gives an opportunity for the people of Skibbereen to taste the beautiful food in Ballydehob, Schull, Crookhaven, and Goleen.”