Cork Airport unveils new mural celebrating ‘The Wonder of Travel’

The mural was designed, curated and painted by artists Shane O’Driscoll and Peter Martin of the Ardú Street Art project

The new mural, by artists Peter Martin and Shane O'Driscoll, at the multi-story car park at Cork Airport. Picture: David Creedon

Passengers flying in and out of Cork will now be greeted by a bold splash of colour, after a striking new mural was unveiled at Cork Airport today.

Entitled The Wonder of Travel, the work was created by artists Shane O’Driscoll and Peter Martin of the Ardú Street Art Project, and spans more than 180 square metres across the southern façade of the airport’s multi-storey car park.

The piece traces the history of air travel at Cork Airport, from its beginnings in 1961 through to the modern era.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy with Cork Airport Managing Director, Neil MacCarthy and Lady Mayoress Karen Brennan at the unveiling of a mural. Picture: David Creedon

The mural was officially revealed by Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, alongside Cork Airport managing director Niall MacCarthy and founding members of Ardú.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Lord Mayor said: “It is a pleasure to perform the official unveiling of Ardú Street Art Project's latest creation ‘The Wonder of Travel’ at Cork Airport today. 

"While the mural captures the wonder and awe of air travel amongst younger generations, it certainly resonates with all ages as it shows the importance of air travel and international connectivity on our island nation. Industry, commerce and tourism all stand to benefit from good air connectivity and Cork Airport plays an important role in the Cork economy by strengthening those connections."

"The Wonder of Travel" is Cork's newest street art mural, curated and created by Shane O'Driscoll and Peter Martin of ARDÚ Street Art. Picture: Darragh Kane

Founded by Mr O’Driscoll, Mr Martin, Paul Gleeson (organiser of the Cork Graffiti Jam) and project manager Rose-Anne Kidney of Goldiefish Events, Ardú has been responsible for many of the city’s most recognisable large-scale murals in recent years.

On their latest work, O’Driscoll and Martin said: “The artwork is a celebration of the history of air travel through Cork Airport since 1961 and looks at its bright future and development in the years to come. 

"This mural hopes to explore the excitement and endless possibilities that air travel brings to the people of Cork and further afield.”

"The Wonder of Travel" is Cork's newest street art mural, curated and created by Shane O'Driscoll and Peter Martin of ARDÚ Street Art. Picture: Darragh Kane

Niall MacCarthy, managing director of Cork Airport, said the mural transforms what was once “a dull, concrete wall” into something uplifting.

“There is a place for art and culture in the built environment. This mural proudly sponsored by Cork Airport, through our Community Fund, places art at the centre of our main passenger walkway to our short-term car park and brightens up considerably what was previously a dull, concrete wall,” he said.