Cork's Viaduct Inn to become transport and travel hub

The Viaduct Inn on Cork's Bandon Rd is understood to have sold for in excess of €2m.

An iconic venue on the outskirts of Cork has been acquired in what is understood to be a multimillion-euro deal.

West Cork businessman Damien Long has purchased The Viaduct Inn, with a multi-million investment planned to transform the site on the N71.

“This is something I’ve been working towards for a long time,” said Mr Long, who also owns transport companies West Cork Connect, Kinsale Connect, and TravelMaster.

“The Viaduct, to me, marks the gateway to West Cork. When you pass through those arches, you’re arriving into West Cork. I’ve always felt it should represent that. 

"In fact, I believe the bridge is so iconic that, when we started West Cork Connect back in 2019, we even incorporated it into our logo.”

The venue had been listed for €1.6m, and it is understood it sold for in excess of €2m.

Owners Cliste Hospitality put it on the market almost four years after buying it for an undisclosed sum.

Its new owner will inherit a substantial premises of just under 7,000sq ft (646sq m) on a site of 2.84a (1.1ha), with over 110m of profile on the N71 Bandon Rd.

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Currently operating as a restaurant, the building will be turned into a multi-purpose space, promising a “first-of-its-kind” transport and travel hub to create a new way for people to travel to and through the area.

A statement on behalf of Mr Long said the first element of the hub will be a Dublin Connect bus service, which will offer a daily direct link from The Viaduct, linking West Cork, Cork City, and nearby areas to Dublin City and Dublin Airport.

A dedicated park-and-ride service will operate every 30 minutes from 6am to midnight, running in a loop from The Viaduct and taking in Cork University Hospital, Wilton, University College Cork, Mercy Hospital, and Kent Station.

The third element will see the restaurant turned into a “roadside plaza”, similar to those on many motorway routes, along with a bar and 24-hour shop.

Mr Long added: “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, use proper facilities, and travel with confidence, whether you’re heading into the city centre or making a longer journey to Dublin.”

Further details, including opening timelines, will be announced shortly.