As the academic year winds down, we want to make sure every student, commuter, and regular passenger is fully up to date with the changes coming to our college routes this summer. Here is everything you need to know.
Maynooth University Services
Students travelling to Maynooth University should take note of two changes this May.
Service Suspensions: 4th–8th May 2026
During the week of 4th–8th May 2026, the following specific departures on the UM12 and UM14 routes will not operate:
- 08:30 Maynooth – Carlow
- 11:55 Carlow – Maynooth
- 15:40 Naas – Maynooth
15:40 Naas – Maynooth
Exam Period Services: 18th–30th May 2026
To support students during the exam season, JJ Kavanagh will operate a dedicated limited service from Monday, 18th May through Saturday, 30th May 2026 — including Saturdays.
Click here to view the exam timetables
Three exam bus routes will be in operation:
- NUM06: Athy – Maynooth University (departs Athy Emily Square 07:05, arrives Maynooth 08:30)
- NUM12: Carlow – Maynooth University (departs Carlow SETU 06:40, arrives Maynooth 08:30)
- NUM14: Portlaoise – Maynooth University (departs Portlaoise 06:40, arrives Maynooth 08:30)
All return services depart Maynooth University at 18:45 each day.
Following the exam period, service levels will be reviewed based on passenger demand. We strongly recommend booking your seat in advance on jjkavanagh.ie to guarantee your place.
Routes to SETU Carlow
The following Carlow SETU services will complete their regular semester schedules on Friday, 1st May 2026:
The 874 route will see the suspension of the 16:00hrs Carlow-Tullow only.
The ITC4 Mountmellick – Carlow will also be suspended during this time.
Route to Limerick TUS and Limerick MIC
Final day – Friday, 1st May 2026
Services catering to the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Mary Immaculate College will conclude for the summer on Friday, 1st May 2026.
From Monday, 4th May 2026, the 735 route will move to its summer schedule. The following daily services will be suspended until September:
- 17:45 Limerick – Nenagh
- 07:15 Nenagh – Limerick
- 09:00 Limerick – Nenagh
- 13:10 Dublin Airport – Limerick
Plan Ahead
We know exam time is stressful enough without travel surprises. Pre-book your seat at jjkavanagh.ie, pay contactless with Tap & Go, or save 50% with a Young Adult Card (YAC).
Full timetables are available on our website, and if in doubt, you can AskJJ.
Safe travels and best of luck with the exams from everyone at JJ Kavanagh!