Yeats Gregory Explorer Bus Service
The best way to get to Coole Park during the Summer of 2026 is to use our free hop-on, hop-off shuttle bus, the ‘Yeats-Gregory Explorer’. Running from Gort town and stopping at Coole Park Nature Reserve, Kiltartan Gregory Museum, Thoor Ballylee (the former home of poet W.B. Yeats), Kilmacduagh monastic site, and the ‘Garryland’ rear entrance to the Nature Reserve. Please see the timetable below.
All Aboard the Yeats Gregory Explorer
This summer marks the exciting launch of the ‘Yeats Gregory Explorer’ a FREE shuttle bus service connecting the town of Gort with South Galway’s leading visitor attractions.
The service began on 1st June 2026 and will operate as a trial programme until 31st August 2026, offering a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors to explore the rich cultural, literary, and natural heritage of our area without the need for a car.
The Yeats Gregory Explorer opens the door to an unforgettable journey through the heart of South Galway. Starting in the charming heritage town of Gort, to the woodlands and wildlife of Coole Park Nature Reserve, to the fascinating exhibits of Kiltartan Gregory Museum, the literary legacy of Thoor Ballylee, Irelands highest round tower at Kilmacduagh, Garryland woods and returns to Gort town. For visitors, it provides an easy and enjoyable way to discover the places that inspired some of Ireland’s greatest literary figures, including Lady Gregory and W.B. Yeats. Hence the name of the bus.
This is more than just a transport service it’s a chance to strengthen the connection between the town of Gort, Coole Park and the legendary attractions that surround it.
Start your adventure in Gort: Spend time browsing the wonderful independent and quirky shops and clothes boutiques, enjoy a coffee in one of the vibrant cafés, or discover the wide range of dining options on offer. From traditional Irish dishes with locally sourced ingredients to contemporary à la carte menus, there’s something to suit every taste.
Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Gort River Walk, soak up the atmosphere of the historic market town, and after a day exploring the cultural trail, settle into one of the local pubs for traditional Irish music, conversation and genuine Galway hospitality.
The Yeats Gregory Explorer is a FREE service, linking communities, that everyone can use. Whether you’re visiting the area, heading out for a family day trip, welcoming visitors from abroad, or simply rediscovering your own local heritage, the shuttle bus is available to you. We have two buses running daily, both are child pushchair friendly of which one bus is fully wheel chair accessible. You can find the Bus Stop in Gort Market Square across from the Tourist Office, look out for the blue timetable.
Hop on, or hop off the Yeats Gregory Explorer and discover why Gort is the perfect starting point for your South Galway adventure.
Timetable
Daily Service (Mon-Sun), 1st June – 31st August
| Departure Point |
Arr./Dep. | Arr./Dep. | Arr./Dep. | Arr./Dep. | Arr./Dep. | Arr./Dep. | Arr./Dep. | Arr./Dep. | Arr./Dep. | Arr./Dep. | Arr./Dep. | Arr./Dep. | Arr./Dep. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gort (Market Square) | 09:25 | 10:00 | 10:30 | 11:05 | 11:40 | 12:15 | 12:50 | 13:25 | 14:45 | 15:20 | 15:55 | 16:30 | 17:20 |
| Coole Park | 09:35 | 10:10 | 10:40 | 11:15 | 11:50 | 12:25 | 13:00 Arr. | 13:35 Arr. | 14:55 | 15:30 | 16:05 Arr. | 16:40 Arr. | 17:30 |
| Coole Park | 13:45 Dep. | 14:20 Dep. | 16:20 Dep. | 16:55 Dep. | |||||||||
| Kiltartan Gregory Museum | 10:48 | 11:23 | 11:58 | 12:33 | 13:53 | 14:28 | 15:03 | 15:38 | 16:28 | 17:03 | |||
| Thoor Ballylee Tower | 09:48 | 10:23 | 10:58 | 11:33 | 12:08 | 12:43 | 14:03 | 14:38 | 15:13 | 15:48 | 16:38 | 17:13 | |
| Gort (Market Square) | 10:00 | 10:35 | 11:10 | 11:45 | 12:20 | 12:55 | 14:15 | 14:50 | 15:25 | 16:00 | 16:50 | 17:25 | 17:40 |
| Kilmacduagh Monastery | 10:10 | 10:45 | 11:20 | 11:55 | 12:30 | 13:05 | 14:25 | 15:00 | 15:35 | 16:10 | 17:00 | 17:35 | |
| Garryland Wood | 10:18 | 10:53 | 11:28 | 12:03 | 12:38 | 13:13 | 14:33 | 15:08 | 15:43 | 16:18 | 17:08 | 17:33 | |
| Gort (Market Square) | 10:30 | 11:05 | 11:40 | 12:15 | 12:50 | 13:25 | 14:45 | 15:20 | 15:55 | 16:30 | 17:20 | 17:55 |
This timetable is also available as a PDF.
Bus Stop Locations
Parking in Gort
Coole Park Nature Reserve is located in South County Galway just 4km north-west of the town of Gort. We are easily accessible and signposted from Exit 16 on the M18 motorway or by inputting our postcode (H91 HF5X) into your GPS device.
Distances:
Gort: 4 km/3 miles
Galway: 35 km/22 miles
Ennis: 30 km/18 miles
Limerick: 65 km/40 miles on M18 at Gort
Dublin: 205 km/127 miles
By Bus/Train:
The Limerick/Galway train service operates through Gort. You will then need to organise a taxi from Gort to Coole Park – approximately 4 kilometres.
Bus Eireann route 51 from Galway to Ennis via Gort
Irish Rail route 17 from Galway to Ennis via Gort
