These Buses Are More Stylish Than You

You know those Expressway buses (Bus ?ireann’s inter-regional commercial service) you see roaming the streets of Ireland? Well, they’re about to go all kinds of high fashion and generally deadly on us. You’ll soon spot the buses wrapped in incredible designs from leading Irish talents Orla Kiely, Kevin Thornton and Maser, marking their support as official transport partner for ID2015 (a year long initiative celebrating Irish design at home and abroad).

The concept was developed by Laura Magahy, Executive Chair of ID2015, with the aim of demonstrating the breadth of internationally acclaimed Irish designers in every field, and what better way to catch your eye than on a bus? Certainly one of the most effective, old-school advertising platforms that we imagine will never be quashed by the digital landscape.

Renowned chef and food designer, Kevin Thornton’s coach, rolled into service last month, while celebrated fashion, homewares and accessories designer Orla Kiely’s coach, ferried the crowds during a busy Race Week in Galway. Graphic artist Maser’s design can currently be seen on the Cork to Dublin route. Who ever said buses weren’t cool?

Landscape and garden designer Diarmuid Gavin, Samuel Beckett Bridge architects Roughan & O’Donovan, and Oscar-nominated animation studio Brown Bag Films, will provide designs for the next three bus wraps in the coming weeks.

So what we’re wondering now is if someone insults you and says you resemble the back of a bus, is that a compliment?