Chasing the Blarney Stone is a well-worn tourist tradition, and the 215 bus is your direct, affordable ticket from Cork city to the castle gate. This guide brings together the official timetable, fare details, and boarding points so you can plan your journey in one go.
Route number: 215 · Operator: Bus Éireann · Main terminals: Mahon Point – Cloghroe via Blarney · Total stops: 49 · Frequency (weekday peak): Every 30 minutes · First departure from Cork city: 06:35
Quick snapshot
- Operated by Bus Éireann (national bus operator)
- Runs from Mahon Point to Cloghroe via Blarney (Bus Éireann (national bus operator))
- 49 stops covering Cork city centre and suburbs (Bus Éireann (national bus operator))
- First bus from Cork city: 06:35 (Bus Éireann official timetable)
- Last bus from Cloghroe: ~23:00 (Bus Éireann official timetable)
- Frequency: every 30 min peak, hourly off-peak (Bus Éireann official timetable)
- Single adult Cork–Blarney: ~€2.50–€3.00 (Bus Éireann fare info)
- Leap Card (official travel card) accepted for discounts
- Children and student fares available (Bus Éireann fare info)
- Cork Bus Station (Parnell Place)
- Patrick Street
- Blarney village (near castle)
Nine key details, one pattern: the 215 bus is a direct, frequent service linking Cork city centre to Blarney and beyond.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Route number | 215 |
| Operator | Bus Éireann |
| Start terminal | Mahon Point Shopping Centre |
| End terminal | Cloghroe (Coolflugh) |
| Total stops | 49 |
| First departure (Cork city) | 06:35 |
| Last departure (Cloghroe) | Approximately 23:00 |
| Peak frequency | Every 30 minutes |
| Fare Cork–Blarney (single adult) | ~€2.50–€3.00 |
What time is the 215 bus?
Bus Éireann operates Route 215 with a timetable that varies by day. The first departure from Cork city (Parnell Place) is at 06:35, and the last bus from Cloghroe leaves around 23:00. During weekday peak hours, buses run every 30 minutes (Bus Éireann official timetable). Off-peak frequency drops to about hourly.
Weekday timetable highlights
- First bus from Cork city: 06:35 (Bus Éireann route page)
- Last bus from Cloghroe: approximately 23:00
- Peak frequency: every 30 minutes
Saturday timetable
- First departure from Cork city: 06:35 (same as weekday)
- Last departure from Cloghroe: approximately 23:00
- Frequency: every 30–60 minutes
Sunday and public holiday service
- First bus from Cork city: around 08:00
- Last bus from Cloghroe: earlier, around 21:00
- Frequency: every 60 minutes
The pattern: weekday and Saturday services are nearly identical, but Sunday and public holidays run a reduced schedule. Anyone heading to Blarney on a Sunday should confirm the timetable on the day.
How much is the 215 bus from Cork to Blarney?
Fares on Bus Éireann are set by distance zones. A single adult ticket from Cork city centre to Blarney typically costs between €2.50 and €3.00, depending on the exact boarding point (Bus Éireann fare information).
Single fare Cork to Blarney
- Adult single: ~€2.50–€3.00
- Child single (under 16): approximately €1.50
Return fare options
- Day return (adult): ~€4.50–€5.00
- No weekly or monthly passes specific to Route 215
Leap Card and student discounts
- Leap Card users save about 20–30% on single fares (Leap Card official site)
- Student Leap Card (if eligible) offers additional discount
- Children under 5 travel free
Where does the 215 bus go in Cork?
The 215 route stretches from the shopping centre at Mahon Point in the south-east, through Ballinlough, Cork city centre, and up to Blarney village, ending at Cloghroe (Coolflugh). It covers 49 stops in total (Moovit route listing).
Route overview: Mahon Point to Cloghroe
- From Mahon Point Shopping Centre – departs near The Sanctuary stop
- Via Ballinlough and City Gate
- Through Cork city centre (Parnell Place, Patrick Street)
- Continues to Blarney (village centre and castle entrance)
- Terminates at Cloghroe (Coolflugh)
Key stops: Patrick Street, Blarney, Cork City Centre
- Parnell Place Bus Station – main departure point in city
- Patrick Street – central stop near shops
- Blarney Village (Church) – stop is a short walk from Blarney Castle (Mahon Point Shopping Centre PDF timetable)
- Cloghroe (Coolflugh) – end of route
Map of the 215 bus route
- Interactive map available on Moovit and Bus Times
- Bus Éireann also provides a PDF timetable with stop sequence
The 215 is essentially the spine that connects Cork’s south-east suburbs to the city and onward to Blarney. For visitors to Blarney Castle, the Blarney village stop puts you within minutes of the ticket booth.
Where can I get the 215 bus?
Boarding points are well-signposted. The most convenient alight for Blarney Castle is the Blarney Village (Church) stop, about 200 metres from the castle entrance.
Main boarding points in Cork city
- Parnell Place Bus Station – central hub, opposite the train station
- Patrick Street – stops near Debenhams and along the street
- Grand Parade – some services stop here before turning onto Patrick Street
Boarding at Blarney
- Blarney Village (Church) – the main stop, near the castle entrance
- Blarney East – slightly outside the village, serves local residents
Boarding at Mahon Point
- The Sanctuary – first stop on the route, near Mahon Point Shopping Centre
- Jacob’s Island – adjacent to the shopping centre
If you’re heading to Blarney Castle from Cork city, board at Parnell Place or Patrick Street. The bus will drop you right at the village, saving you the walk from the main road.
Are buses running tomorrow in Cork?
Service status can change due to holidays, roadworks, or strike action. Bus Éireann recommends checking the day before you travel.
Checking service updates
- Official Bus Éireann website – live service alerts
- Social media channels (@buseireann) – real-time updates
- Phone service – 0818 836611
Public holiday schedules
- Public holidays typically operate a Sunday timetable on Route 215
- Check the PDF timetable for specific holiday notes
- St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas have special reduced services
Real-time tracking apps
- Moovit – shows live bus positions for Route 215
- Bus Times – real-time departures from each stop
- Google Maps – transit layer includes Route 215
Route specifications at a glance
Eight key attributes that define the 215 bus service. One pattern: it is a standard city-suburb route with full accessibility.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of stops | 49 (according to Moovit); 48 according to Bus Times |
| Days of operation | Every day including Sundays and public holidays |
| Journey time (full route) | Approximately 60 minutes (Bus Times) |
| Wheelchair accessibility | Yes – all Bus Éireann city buses feature low-floor access |
| Bicycles allowed | Generally not permitted inside the bus |
| Real-time tracking | Available via Moovit and Bus Times |
| PDF timetable download | Mahon Point SC PDF (valid 2016); newer version on Bus Éireann route page |
| Fare payment methods | Cash, Leap Card, contactless (on some buses) |
How to use the 215 bus timetable: step by step
Getting from Cork city to Blarney Castle via the 215 bus is straightforward. Follow these steps.
Step 1: Download the schedule
- Visit Bus Éireann Route 215 page and click ‘Timetable’ to get the PDF.
- Alternatively, download the Mahon Point-hosted PDF for a copy that includes the full stop list.
Step 2: Check the date and day
- Look at the PDF header for ‘Valid from’ date. The Mahon Point PDF is valid from 28 February 2016; use the Bus Éireann page for the most current version.
- Identify the column for your travel day: Monday–Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
Step 3: Find your boarding stop
- The PDF lists stops in order from Cloghroe to Mahon Point. Find your stop (e.g., Blarney Village (Church)) and note the scheduled time.
- For real-time confirmation, use Moovit – type ‘215’ and your stop name.
Step 4: Plan your journey to Blarney Castle
- Alight at Blarney Village (Church) stop. The castle entrance is a 3-minute walk.
- Entry to the castle includes access to kiss the Blarney Stone – no extra charge. The ticket booth accepts cash and cards (Blarney Castle official site).
Step 5: Return trip
- Board the 215 from the same stop outside the church. Buses run about every 30 minutes on weekdays.
- Check the PDF for return times – the last bus from Cloghroe is around 23:00.
The 215 bus is the only public transport that drops you right at Blarney village. Without it, you’d need a taxi from Cork or a bus to the nearby stop followed by a 20-minute walk. The PDF timetable is your one essential piece of paper.
What’s confirmed and what’s unclear about the 215 bus
Confirmed facts
- Route 215 is operated by Bus Éireann (Bus Éireann official route page).
- First bus from Cork city departs at 06:35 (source as above).
- The bus serves Blarney village (Mahon Point Shopping Centre PDF).
- PDF timetable available from mahonpointsc.ie and buseireann.ie.
What’s unclear
- Exact fare may change – verify on Bus Éireann website for current prices.
- Sunday timetable may vary; confirm on the day of travel.
- Real-time delays are not guaranteed by all apps – best to check multiple sources.
- The number of stops is reported as 49 by Moovit and 48 by Bus Times; the official count may differ.
What other sources say
“Route 215 serves Mahon Point to Cloghroe via Blarney.”
— Bus Éireann official timetable page (Bus Éireann route page)
“The 215 bus (Cloghroe) has 49 stops departing from The Sanctuary and ending at Coolflugh.”
— Moovit app description (Moovit route listing)
“Route 215 operates every day.”
— Bus Times service page (Bus Times)
cork-guide.ie, rome2rio.com, assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com, corktransport.info
Travelers can find the full route and schedule in the 215 bus timetable Cork from Ireland Insight.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the 215 bus take from Cork to Blarney?
The journey from Cork city centre (Parnell Place) to Blarney village takes approximately 20–25 minutes, depending on traffic (Bus Times journey time estimate).
Does the 215 bus run on Sundays?
Yes, but on a reduced schedule with fewer departures. Check the Bus Éireann timetable for exact times.
Can I use a Leap Card on the 215 bus?
Yes, Leap Card is accepted on all Bus Éireann city services, including Route 215, and offers discounted fares (Leap Card official site).
Is the 215 bus wheelchair accessible?
Yes. All Bus Éireann city buses have low-floor wheelchair access. Drivers are trained to assist.
Where does the 215 bus stop in Blarney?
The stop is Blarney Village (Church), a short walk from Blarney Castle entrance.
How often does the 215 bus run on Saturdays?
Saturday frequency matches weekday: every 30 minutes during peak times, hourly in the early morning and evening.
What is the last 215 bus from Cork to Blarney?
The last departure from Cork city is around 23:00 on weekdays and Saturdays, earlier on Sundays (around 21:00).
Related reading
- Dublin Bus Head Office – for comparisons with other Irish bus operators
- Dublin Airport to Galway Bus – another long-distance Bus Éireann route
The 215 bus remains the most practical link between Cork city and Blarney Castle. For the day-tripper, the combination of low fare, direct stop, and relatively frequent service is hard to beat. Just remember to check the Sunday timetable if you’re travelling then – otherwise you might find yourself waiting longer than the journey itself. For anyone visiting Blarney Castle, the choice is clear: take the 215 and spend the savings on a coffee or souvenir.