Cork’s Viaduct Inn to Develop into Major Transport Hub for West Cork-Dublin Route

West Cork businessman Damien Long has purchased The Viaduct Inn, with plans to transform the landmark site on the N71 Bandon Road into a modern transport and travel hub featuring a new daily bus service to Dublin and Dublin Airport.

Project Overview and Investment

The Viaduct Inn, an iconic red brick property seen by thousands of commuters daily, was sold to Dave Long Coach Travel Ltd. In a multi-million-euro deal. The venue had been listed for €1.6 million and sold for in excess of €2 million. The new owner will inherit a substantial premises of just under 7,000 sq ft (646 sq m) on a site of 2.84 acres (1.1 ha), with over 110m of frontage on the N71 Bandon Road.

Transport Services and Infrastructure

The first element of the hub will be a Dublin Connect bus service, offering a daily direct link between The Viaduct and Dublin city and Dublin Airport, with multiple departures throughout the day. This service aims to provide the most convenient and accessible way for people in West Cork and Cork city to travel to and from Dublin.

plans include a high-frequency park-and-ride facility with a dedicated shuttle operating every 30 minutes from early morning to midnight. This shuttle will connect The Viaduct to key locations including CUH, Wilton, UCC, Mercy Hospital, Cork city centre, and Kent Station.

Modern Roadside Plaza and Amenities

The Viaduct building itself will retain its charm and character on the exterior, while the interior will be completely reimagined into a modern roadside plaza. The planned plaza will feature amenities similar to those found on popular motorway routes, including a bar and a 24-hour convenience shop, creating a comfortable and accessible space for passengers at all hours.

Economic Impact and Employment

The introduction of the park-and-ride service, Dublin Connect service, and on-site amenities is expected to deliver a major boost in employment to the area, creating 50+ direct jobs and a substantial number of indirect jobs.

Owner’s Vision and Statement

Damien Long, who also owns West Cork Connect, Kinsale Connect, and TravelMaster, said: “This new project has been driven by a long-standing ambition to improve how people travel to and from West Cork while investing in a landmark location. We want to create a place that works for everyone, somewhere safe, well-lit and accessible at all hours, where you can grab a coffee from the modern roadside plaza, employ proper facilities and travel with confidence, whether you’re heading into the city centre or making a longer journey to Dublin.”

He added: “This is something I’ve been working towards for a long time. The Viaduct, to me, marks the gateway to West Cork. When you pass through those arches, you’re arriving in West Cork, and I’ve always felt it should represent that.” Long noted that when West Cork Connect was founded in 2019, the viaduct was incorporated into the company’s logo due to its iconic status.

Conclusion

The transformation of The Viaduct Inn into a transport and travel hub represents a significant investment in regional infrastructure, aiming to improve connectivity between West Cork and Dublin while enhancing local amenities and creating employment opportunities.