Major Bus Service Upgrades Connect North Cork Communities to City
Major bus upgrades for North Cork from 29 June: Route 243 gets 10 daily trips, new Route 519 launches Charleville-Cork morning services weekdays.
Bus Éireann has announced significant improvements to public transport links between North Cork and the city, with enhanced Route 243 services and a brand new Route 519 set to benefit thousands of commuters from 29 June 2025.
The upgraded Route 243 between Newmarket and Cork will now operate ten daily trips, seven days a week, providing five return journeys between Newmarket and Cork via Kanturk, Dromahane, Bweeng and Grenagh. An additional five return trips will connect Newmarket to Mallow via Kanturk, dramatically improving access to Mallow rail station for onward travel.
The newly introduced Route 519 will serve Charleville to Cork passengers with morning departures at 7.05 from Charleville and 5.45 from Cork, Monday to Friday. These services previously operated under Route 243 but will now have their own dedicated route number.
Aled Williams, Senior Regional Manager South at Bus Éireann, said:
"Bus Éireann is delighted to introduce these enhanced services between Cork, Newmarket and Charleville, increasing transport options for passengers in the region. These improvements will positively impact passengers travelling for work, leisure, health and education."
The changes form part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, a major national initiative funded by the National Transport Authority. Williams noted that the programme has added over 2.3 million kilometres to Bus Éireann's network nationwide, with the company delivering over 111.6 million passenger journeys last year.
John Nott, Head of Public Transport Service Planning at the National Transport Authority, stated:
"The introduction of Route 519 and the expansion of Route 243 are important steps in delivering better public transport for rural communities in the North Cork area. Through the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, we are working to ensure that towns and villages across Ireland have access to reliable, frequent, and convenient bus services."
In a related development, Local Link Cork will launch a Saturday-only service connecting Banteer, Lombardstown, Castletownroche, Killavullen, Mallow and Mallow rail station from 5 July 2025, with details to be announced separately.
The improvements will particularly benefit commuters, students and those requiring reliable transport connections for medical appointments or leisure activities. Updated timetables and route maps are available at www.buseireann.ie.
