Two Cork properties battle it out to be named Ireland’s favourite building
Kinsale Library designed by Cork County Council architects. Picture: Jed Niezgoda/jedniezgoda.com
The Kinsale Library and University College Cork’s strength and conditioning gym at the Mardyke are both in the running to be named Ireland’s favourite building or public space for 2024.
The two Cork properties have been shortlisted in the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Awards, and are through to the finals, alongside 40 other projects.
Now in its 35th year, the RIAI Awards celebrate excellence in the design and delivery of buildings by registered architects.
This year’s Public Choice Award shortlist includes homes, heritage projects, and public spaces which were plucked from over 180 entries.
The shortlist is the outcome of a thorough adjudication process that included jury visits.
It includes buildings and public spaces located “in all corners of the country” as well as one international representation with a project in Poland.
According to the RIAI, this year’s awards have seen “inspiring examples” of the adaptive reuse and restoration of old buildings across residential, workplace and public buildings.
Examples include the boarded-up shell of a 19th century grain store in Kinsale’s medieval town centre that was transformed into a public library and exhibition space.
The new library, which is located in the James O’Neill Building (Old Mill) in the heart of the town, was designed inhouse by Cork County Council’s architects department.
The €4.8m project was officially opened by the Mayor of the County of Cork Frank O'Flynn and Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphries in December 2023.
Commenting on the restoration, Mr O’Flynn said: “The library is now ten times larger than the previous premises and has transformed the service offered to the people of Kinsale and surrounding areas.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie O’Sullivan added: “The Old Mill was built sometime between 1840 and 1800, it was badly damaged by fire on two occasions before it was acquired by us.
“We now have an incredible, state-of-the-art space that is used by people of all ages.”
Elsewhere, some high-quality public housing projects have also made the shortlist.
One example is Dublin City Council’s Cornamona Court.
The intergenerational development provides a mix of 28 houses and duplexes for families and 33 apartments for older persons. A community space and a landscaped courtyard are also provided.
Voting is open until midnight on Wednesday, June 19, and the winner will be announced on by RIAI president Sean Mahon at a ceremony in the National Gallery of Ireland on Friday, June 21.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Mahon said: “The exceptional quality of entries this year underscores the significant contributions that Irish architects are making to enhance our built environment.
“Each project showcases a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community, reflecting the value that thoughtful design brings to every aspect of our daily lives."
You can take a look at all 42 entries and vote for your favourite here.
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