Architect: Michael Scott
Interior Access Open Hours Only

The architecture firm of Michael Scott Architect was known for its meticulous detailing of interiors, using materials and paint effects to add texture and interest to their buildings. The Irish Builder and Engineer described the interiors of the Ritz Cinema Athlone: 'As might be expected, the architect, Mr. Michael Scott has devoted considerable attention to the internal decorative scheme'. Scott�s attention to the interiors of his buildings was a result of his desire to create buildings as an overall work of design. Scott's policy of commissioning artists to produce decorative artwork to enliven his interiors was augmented at Busáras by the design of furniture and light fittings by the architecture team.

At Busáras, Scott and his team were responsible for the design of all the interior details including furniture, door handles and light fittings. Individual members of the team were responsible for designing chairs and tables for the two restaurants, light fittings and fixtures like shop fronts and the cinema stage and screen.

In 1950s Ireland, travel was glamorous. This was reflected in the provision of the restaurant overlooking the concourse and the pavilion restaurant, which was originally intended to be a restaurant and night-club accessible from the street. This was modelled on Collinstown Airport. When the Airport first opened, it was popular as a venue for dances and it was felt that Busáras could be a popular social venue also, with its views over the city in all directions. However, unlike air travel, bus travel was transport for the masses, and this egalitarianism was reflected in the provision of the newsreel cinema, snack bar and public bar. The newsreel cinema was the first of its type in Dublin. In these areas accessible by the public, the immediate impact is the variety of finishes applied to surfaces. Although the forms are simple, the finishes are luxurious. Many exotic materials from all parts of the world were used. Architectural Design made much of Scott's use of materials when it published an illustration of the completed design in 1947:

Bronze from Denmark, marbles from Ireland, terrazzo, various woods including African mahogany, Siamese teak and Canadian maple, mosaic tiles from Venice, leather and hand made bricks from Kingscourt, County Cavan. All of these materials and more combine to give Busáras an opulence that is in contrast to the simple forms of the furniture and building. The areas devoted exclusively to the Department of Social Welfare received a more restrained decorative scheme compared to the exuberance of the station concourse. At the time of the concrete structure's completion, total expenditure on the building was a little over �250,000. A further �750,000 was spent in the fitting out stage of the project.