Public transportation Cork

Hey all,
My friend and I are planning a trip to Cork, Ireland. We've found several places we'd like to visit during our stay. To get to these places, we’d like to use the public transportation system in and around Cork. We’ve seen that there are many bus routes and train lines we might be able to use. What we’re finding difficult is figuring out how to properly use these services. For example: What kind of passes do we need? Is there a ticket or subscription that covers both bus and train for a week?
Does it work with an app or a physical card? Do we need to buy them in advance? Where can we buy them? And is it necessary to book a bus or train in advance, or can we just hop on whenever and wherever we want?

I've looked it up on the internet, but it's still not clear to me.

I hope you can help us out.

Kind regards,

Joren

Dag Joren,

Great that you’re planning to explore County Cork by public transport — it’s a really doable and affordable way to get around.

For buses and trains, I would recommend a physical Leap Card, which covers most public transport services (including Bus Éireann and Irish Rail in the Cork area). It can be topped up as needed through the Leap Top-Up App or in convenience stores like Spar, Centra, or SuperValu. It's worth noting that Leap fares are usually cheaper than cash fares. To use the card, you can just tap on and off as you board the train or bus.

Note that the Leap card can be used on the Commuter trains in Cork (to Cobh or Midleton for instance) but for Intercity trains, you'd need to buy a ticket online or at the train station. For Bus Eireann busses, the Leap Card works even if you want to go further (to West Cork for instance)

Finally, there are indeed some passes for an extensive use of the train (Trekker & Explorer passes) but to me, they aren't worth it if you stay only in County Cork. A Leap Card is the way to go. 😊

Do you have any plans in County Cork just yet? 

Groet,
Antoine

Hi Antoine,

Thank you for your help so far. I was wondering , do you think it's a good idea to buy a Leap Card in advance?

We have plans to visit some places in Cork City, like the English market, Cork City Gaol, a brewery and maybe some cathedrals and churches. And of course some pubs. 
We’re also interested in attractions in the surroundings like Spike Island and Blarney Castle & Gardens. From what I’ve seen, these places seem quite accessible by public transport, is that correct?

We also love to hike and found spots like Killarney national park and Ballard Waterfall Forest Recreational Area. These seem harder to reach by bus. Do you have any tips that could help us get to these places more easily?

Kind regards,

Joren

Hi again, Joren
No problem at all! 

From experience, it's best to buy the Leap Card once you arrive (a generic Leap Card cannot even be ordered online). There's a WH Smith shop in Cork Airport that sells them, and you will be able to top it up right away. Here's a map of all retail outlets. There's a 5 euro deposit which you can get back at the end of your trip.

All the attractions in and around Cork City can be reached using public transport or on foot. Blarney Castle is also simple to reach — Bus 215 from Cork city centre gets you there directly. Spike Island is accessed via ferry from Cobh, and Cobh itself is easily reached by commuter train from Cork.

As for the hiking spots — they’re slightly less convenient by bus but still doable. For Killarney National Park, you can take the Expressway 40 to Killarney town, then explore the park on foot or bike rental. The Transport for Ireland website is a great place to check out itineraries in advance. Finally, Ballard Waterfall Forest is harder to access without a car; for that one, renting a car for a day might save you time and hassle, or you could check out an alternative in County Cork. There are also day tours organized from Cork to County Kerry (Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, etc) by tour-operators like Paddywagon. 

I hope this helps, please let us know about your final itinerary as the trip gets closer. 😊  Here are also some more suggestions around Cork, should you want to see other places

Talk soon,
Antoine

Hey Antoine,
Your help is truly appreciated.
It really clarified my questions and doubts.
Thank you!

No problem at all, Joren!

Let us know how the trip goes or if you have any last-minute questions before you go.

Talk soon,
Antoine