Bank Holiday boost as late-night bus returns to Inishowen
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August Bank Holiday service aims to make nights out safer while supporting local pubs, restaurants and businesses
A late-night bus service will continue to operate in Buncrana over the August Bank Holiday weekend, offering residents and visitors a safer and more convenient way to travel home after an evening out.
The ‘One @ One’ pilot late-night bus service, delivered as part of Donegal County Council’s Night Time Economy initiative, is being trialled in Buncrana, Sligo and Longford. The service builds on the existing Route 959 bus, which operates between Buncrana and Greencastle through TFI Local Link Donegal Sligo Leitrim.
Following successful runs over the May and June bank holiday weekends, the service will return to Buncrana from Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August, providing late-night transport across the Inishowen peninsula.
The bus will depart Buncrana at 1am, giving people the opportunity to enjoy the town’s nightlife without having to rely on private cars or limited taxi availability.
The initiative aims to support safer nights out, encourage people to use public transport after dark, and provide additional support for pubs, restaurants and businesses operating during evening and night-time hours.
Speaking about the pilot, Donegal County Council Chief Executive John G. McLaughlin said the project reflects the importance of working with rural communities to develop practical solutions.
“Donegal County Council has worked collaboratively with Longford County Council, Sligo County Council, Sligo BID, the NTA and Local Link, to listen to the needs of rural communities.”
“The ‘One at One’ trial night bus service is an important way to connect our towns and villages at night, whilst building a pathway toward further opportunities; as these kinds of innovative collaborations are at the heart of night-time economy development.”
Night Time Economy Advisor for Buncrana with Donegal County Council, Sophie Gallagher, said the timing of the service was designed to coincide with one of the busiest weekends of the year for the town.
“The August Bank Holiday is one of the busiest weekends of the year for Buncrana, and this service means people can enjoy a night out without needing a car or a taxi,” she said.
“It’s a simple, practical step that supports our pubs, restaurants and late-night businesses, and it gives people in the town a safer option to get home.”
Anyone can jump aboard, but the service is particularly aimed at those enjoying evenings and nights out, people working late shifts, students, young adults and anyone looking for a reliable transport option at night.
The pilot will continue later in the year, with services scheduled for Culture Night on Friday 18th September and the October Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October.
The One @ One Night Bus service is funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport through Donegal County Council’s Night-Time Economy Initiative for Buncrana.