Busaras

The Station

Modernist classic

Description

Loved by some and loathed by others, Dublin's central bus station is one of the more interesting contemporary architectural features of the city. The building was designed by Michael Scott between 1945 and 1953 and was one of the first modern spaces in Dublin that attempted to integrate art and architecture, utilising elements like glazed facades and a controversial pavilionised top storey. The building was also ground-breaking because it attempted to incorporate a theatre in the basement and a restaurant on the top floor with great views over the city. This visionary project failed, however. The powers-that-be were unsuccessful in their attempts to promote the building properly and the restaurant and theatre were eventually abandoned. Aesthetics aside, if you're travelling out of the city, this is where you get your bus.