Viaduct Inn to Serve as New West Cork to Dublin Bus Plaza

A major transport development is set to transform The Viaduct Inn on the outskirts of Cork into a modern transport hub, with plans to launch a new daily bus service connecting West Cork to Dublin. The project, led by West Cork businessman Damien Long of Dave Long Coach Travel Ltd, aims to improve regional connectivity and reduce reliance on city centre travel for commuters heading to the capital.

The well-known red brick property, visible to thousands of commuters on the Bandon Road each day, has been acquired by Dave Long Coach Travel Ltd in a multi-million euro deal. Although the venue had been listed for €1.6 million, it is understood that the final sale price exceeded €2 million. The site spans just under 7,000 square feet (646 square metres) on a 2.84-acre plot, featuring over 110 metres of frontage along the N71 Bandon Road.

The first phase of the development will introduce the Dublin Connect bus service, offering a direct daily link between The Viaduct, West Cork, Cork City and Dublin—including Dublin Airport. This service is intended to provide a more convenient alternative for residents of areas such as Wilton and Bishopstown, who currently need to travel into Cork city centre to access Dublin-bound buses.

In addition to the new bus route, the hub will include a park-and-ride shuttle service operating every 30 minutes between The Viaduct and stops around Cork. This initiative aims to alleviate city centre traffic and parking pressures by allowing commuters to park at the outskirts and transfer to public transport for the final leg of their journey.

The transformation of the site will also include on-site amenities such as a modern roadside plaza offering coffee and other facilities, designed to create a safe, well-lit, and accessible environment for travellers at all hours. Mr Long described the vision as creating “a place that works for everyone,” where passengers can travel with confidence whether heading into the city or making the longer journey to Dublin.

Highlighting the symbolic importance of the location, Mr Long noted that The Viaduct Inn marks the gateway to West Cork for many travellers. He referenced the arches of the nearby viaduct as a point of arrival into the region, stating that the site has long been incorporated into the branding of West Cork Connect, which he founded in 2019.

The redevelopment is expected to deliver a significant boost to local employment, creating over 50 direct jobs and a substantial number of indirect positions in the surrounding area. This economic impact stems from the combination of transport operations, plaza services, and ongoing site management.

Currently operating as a restaurant and bar, The Viaduct Inn will be redeveloped into a multi-purpose transport and travel hub. The project represents the first element of a broader strategy to modernise regional travel infrastructure in West Cork, with further enhancements planned as part of the long-term vision for the site.