Cork is about to become that bit more accessible.

West Cork Connect has launched its latest bus route, this time connecting Cork City with Bantry. The new 229 service will make stops at Aughaville, Drimoleague, Dunmanway, Ballineen, Enniskeane, Bandon, and Innishannon.

Within the city, the 229 will make stops at Cork University Hospital, Western Road, Grand Parade, South Mall and St. Patrick’s Quay. Tickets can be bought online and onboard, and Leap Cards will be accepted.

At the outset, the service will run four times a day, seven days a week, though more journeys are expected to be added by 2022.

The service is the first of its kind, as West Cork Connect become the first private company to operate a service between Cork City and Bantry.

Ahead of the departure of the first 229 this morning, the company posted to Instagram: “Our first Bus leaving Bantry on Route 229. I’d like to welcome our new bus driver Martin Hurley and wish him the best of luck from everyone at West Cork connect.

“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to Michael Collins Independent TD who has supported this service from the very beginning and was instrumental in helping us to secure this license.”

More details can be found here.