Nenagh to Limerick Bus: Timetable, Fares & Operators

Anyone who has tried to figure out whether the 323 bus from Nenagh will actually get you to Limerick before lunch knows the drill — squinting at PDF timetables, cross-referencing stops, and hoping for the best. This guide strips away the guesswork, giving you the exact route, fares from about €13, and return-trip details so you can ride with confidence rather than luck.

Bus journey time: 35–40 minutes ·
Starting fare: €13–€14 one-way ·
Daily departures: Up to 21 per day ·
Main operator: Bus Éireann route 323 ·
Route: Nenagh to Limerick via Birdhill

What time does the bus 323 depart from Nenagh to Limerick?

Bus Éireann’s route 323 runs from Limerick Colbert Station through Birdhill to Nenagh, with departures spread across the day. On weekdays and Saturdays, the first bus from Nenagh leaves around 06:45, and the last departure is at roughly 20:45, according to schedule summaries published by MVTDev (third-party schedule aggregator). Sunday services start later, with the first departure at about 11:00 and the last at 21:00.

Which stops does route 323 serve?

• In Limerick: Colbert Station, Arthur’s Quay, Canal Bank/Clare Street, and Singland Cross before heading north (bustimes.org service page).
• In Nenagh: stops include Nenagh Retail Park, Nenagh Ashe Road, Nenagh town centre, and Nenagh Summerhill (bustimes.org).
• Birdhill is the main intermediate stop between Limerick and Nenagh (Bus Éireann route 323).

Is the 323 timetable the same in both directions?

Not quite. While the 323 service covers both directions on the same corridor, the departure windows differ. From Limerick Colbert Station, the first weekday bus leaves at about 06:45; from Nenagh, the first departure is also around 06:45 but with slightly different spacing through the day. The route page lists times for both directions, but the most reliable way to confirm is to check the Bus Éireann 323 timetable directly.

How can I check today’s live bus times?

Bus Éireann does not publish real-time tracking for all routes, but you can use the Bus Éireann journey planner for scheduled departures. Third-party apps like Moovit and bustimes.org also show the 323 timetable, though they rely on the published schedule rather than live GPS data. The AA reported that enhanced services on the corridor include late-evening departures, so it is worth checking the day’s specific times before you head out (The AA Ireland).

How do I get from Limerick bus station to Nenagh?

Limerick Colbert Station is the main city bus terminal and the departure point for route 323 heading north to Nenagh. The return journey is straightforward if you know where to board and which stop to use.

Departing from Limerick Colbert Station

Colbert Station is at the corner of Parnell Street and Davis Street, a short walk from Limerick city centre. Bus Éireann route 323 departs from the bus station’s main bays. The first departure on weekdays and Saturdays is at about 06:45, with buses running at intervals of roughly 60 to 180 minutes through the day (Moovit timetable summary). On Sundays, the first departure is at 11:00, with longer gaps between services.

Buying a Bus Éireann ticket

You can buy a one-way ticket on board (exact change recommended) or via the Bus Éireann app. Fares start at about €13–€14 for a single journey (Rome2Rio). A return ticket typically costs roughly double the one-way fare, though Bus Éireann does not always publish a specific return discount on this route. If you are planning a same-day return, buying two one-way tickets or checking the app for a return option is the safest bet.

Getting off in Nenagh

The 323 bus drops passengers at several stops in Nenagh, including Nenagh Retail Park, Nenagh Ashe Road, Nenagh town centre, and Nenagh Summerhill (bustimes.org). The main stop is near the town centre on Ashe Road. If you are heading to a specific part of Nenagh, ask the driver which stop is closest — the route covers a fair stretch of the town.

What is the timetable for the 323x bus from Limerick to Birr via Nenagh?

The 323X is a variant of the standard 323 service that continues beyond Nenagh to Birr, County Offaly. Bus Éireann lists both 323 and 323X on its routes-and-timetables page, with 323 labelled Limerick to Nenagh and 323X labelled Limerick to Birr.

323x vs 323

The main difference is the destination. The 323 terminates in Nenagh, while the 323X continues north through Nenagh to Birr. Both services share the same corridor from Limerick through Birdhill and Nenagh. If you are travelling from Nenagh to Limerick, either bus works — the 323X simply starts its journey further north. The timetable PDF valid from 25 May 2025 covers both variants (Bus Éireann PDF).

Birr via Nenagh route

The 323X serves the same stops as the 323 between Limerick and Nenagh, then continues to Birr. This means if you are boarding in Nenagh for a trip to Limerick, you can catch either the 323 or the 323X — both will take you south. The 323X is especially useful for travellers heading to Birr from Limerick, as it avoids the need to change buses in Nenagh.

Where to find the current 323x timetable

Bus Éireann’s official timetable page for the 323 corridor covers both services. If the 323X timetable is not shown separately on the main route page, use the Bus Éireann journey planner and enter Birr as your destination. Third-party sites like bustimes.org also list the 323X as part of the same service line, though they may label it simply as “323” with Birr as the terminus (bustimes.org).

Does Bus Éireann run the Nenagh to Limerick bus?

Yes — Bus Éireann is the operator most frequently listed for Nenagh to Limerick services. Route 323 is the main published service on the corridor, but related searches also show interest in JJ Kavanagh timetables and a route numbered 72.

Bus Éireann route 323

Bus Éireann’s route 323 is the dominant service, running daily between Limerick Colbert Station and Nenagh via Birdhill. The Bus Éireann route page describes it as serving Limerick to Nenagh, and the official timetable PDF confirms the route via Birdhill. With up to 21 buses per day on weekdays and a reduced Sunday schedule, it is the most consistent option for travellers.

JJ Kavanagh timetable mentions

Related searches show interest in JJ Kavanagh as a possible operator on the Nenagh–Limerick corridor. However, the supplied research data does not include a confirmed JJ Kavanagh timetable for this specific route. Travellers should check the JJ Kavanagh website directly if they want to confirm whether the operator runs services between Nenagh and Limerick. The current evidence points to Bus Éireann as the primary operator.

What about route 72?

Route 72 appears in related search queries but is not confirmed as a current Nenagh–Limerick service in the available data. The Bus Éireann route 72 traditionally serves a different corridor (Limerick to Galway via Ennis, for example). If you see “72” listed on a timetable, verify the direction and stops before boarding — it may not serve Nenagh at all.

The trade-off: Bus Éireann’s 323 is the sure bet, but JJ Kavanagh and route 72 are worth a quick check if you want to compare options. Most travellers will find the 323 meets their needs.

How far is Nenagh from Limerick by car?

Nenagh is about 40 km (25 miles) from Limerick by road, which takes roughly 35 minutes by car on the M7 motorway. The bus covers the same distance in 35–40 minutes, making it a comparable option for time-conscious travellers.

Driving distance and typical time

The drive from Nenagh town centre to Limerick Colbert Station is about 40 km via the M7, taking around 30–40 minutes in normal traffic. The route is straightforward: take the N52 south to the M7, then head west into Limerick city. Parking in Limerick city centre can add time and cost, especially near Colbert Station where public car parks charge around €2–€3 per hour or €10–€15 for a full day.

Bus time vs car time

The bus journey from Nenagh to Limerick is listed at 35–40 minutes on aggregators like Rome2Rio and Busbud. That is essentially the same as driving time, but without the hassle of parking. The trade-off is that the bus runs on a fixed schedule — you cannot leave whenever you want. With up to 21 departures per day on weekdays, however, the schedule is flexible enough for most trips.

Six items, one pattern: the bus and car are neck-and-neck on time, but the bus wins on cost and convenience for solo travellers who do not need a car in Limerick.

Why this matters: for a solo traveller, the bus saves €10–€15 on parking alone. For a family of four, the car may work out cheaper. The choice comes down to how many people are travelling and whether you need a car at your destination.

How to ride the Nenagh to Limerick bus: a step-by-step guide

Riding the 323 from Nenagh to Limerick is straightforward once you know the routine. Here is the sequence from start to finish.

1. Find your stop in Nenagh. The main stops are Nenagh Ashe Road (town centre), Nenagh Retail Park, and Nenagh Summerhill. Check which is closest to you.
2. Check the timetable. Use the Bus Éireann 323 page or the journey planner for the day’s departures. Weekday buses run from about 06:45 to 20:45; Sunday services start at 11:00.
3. Buy a ticket. You can pay the driver with exact change (€13–€14 one-way) or use the Bus Éireann app. Have your fare ready to speed up boarding.
4. Flag the bus. Stand at the stop and raise your arm clearly as the bus approaches. The driver will not stop unless someone signals or is waiting at the stop.
5. Ride to Limerick. The journey takes about 35–40 minutes. The bus follows the N52 and M7, stopping at Birdhill, Singland Cross, and other points before reaching Limerick Colbert Station.
6. Get off at Colbert Station. The bus terminates at the station, so you cannot miss it. From there, you can walk into the city centre or connect to local buses.

For the return trip, simply reverse the process: board at Limerick Colbert Station, buy a ticket, and ride north to Nenagh. The same stops apply in reverse order.

What travellers say about the Nenagh–Limerick bus

Route 323 is described as Limerick to Nenagh via Birdhill, with the route page listing stops and the corridor connecting to Killaloe and Birr.

— Bus Éireann route description

Nenagh to Limerick bus tickets start at €14 and the quickest route takes 40 minutes.

— Rome2Rio fare summary

The bus journey takes about 35 minutes; fares start at €13 and there are 21 buses per day.

— Busbud service overview

Stops include Limerick Colbert Station and Nenagh Sallygrove, and the route continues to Birr.

— bustimes.org service page

For anyone travelling between Nenagh and Limerick, Bus Éireann’s route 323 is the most reliable option — consistent journey times, competitive fares, and enough departures to cover most schedules. The choice between bus and car comes down to whether you need flexibility or want to save on parking costs. For the solo traveller heading to Limerick city centre, the bus is the smarter play: same time, lower cost, no parking hunt.

Frequently asked questions