Voting has opened for Ireland’s Favourite Building of 2026, with 44 architectural projects competing for the RIAI Public Choice Award. The award is given annually to a building or public space selected by public vote and reflects how well-designed buildings and places improve daily life. It is the only architectural award in Ireland decided by public vote, with more than 14,000 votes cast for the 2025 edition. The 2026 shortlist includes projects from 12 counties and six international projects by Irish architects. Nominees cover health, education, heritage, and housing, including the new RCSI building on St Stephen’s Green and a special educational needs school in Letterkenny with classrooms, therapeutic rooms, and sensory gardens.
"Voting has begun for Ireland's favourite building of 2026, with 44 architectural projects in the running for the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Public Choice Award. Given annually to a building or public space chosen by public vote, the awards provide an opportunity to reflect "on how well-designed buildings and places can positively impact" our daily lives. It is the only architectural award in Ireland decided by public vote, with more than 14,000 votes cast for the 2025 edition."
"The 2026 shortlist features projects from 12 counties and six international projects by Irish architects. "From health and education to heritage and housing, this year's awards demonstrate how outstanding architecture actively shapes the success of public buildings, infrastructure projects and places where we live," RIAI president Fionnuala May said. "This is an excellent opportunity for the public to reflect on how public buildings and designed spaces impact on their enjoyment and quality of their daily lives.""
""These awards show that good architecture is more than beautiful design, it is a societal investment - one that delivers lasting cultural, social, and economic returns for our society." Among the nominees are education projects including the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland's (RCSI) new building on St Stephen's Green in Dublin, and a special educational needs school in Letterkenny, Co Donegal. The new RCSI building, Project Connect by architect Henry J Lyons, has been commended as a "landmark academic building"."
"Featuring 21 classrooms, therapeutic rooms, and sensory gardens, the new special educational needs school in Letterkenny was designed by McGarry Ní Éanaigh Architects. In Greystones, Co Wicklow, REIR Studio has been recognised for the renovation of Bellevue Heights, a private 1975 bun"
Read at Irish Independent
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