Divine intervention! Galway Monastery wins prestigious architecture prize
With 14,000 votes cast in total, the Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey emerged as the winner in the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland's prestigious 2025 Public Choice Award.
The building, which officially opened last year, is nestled on the edge of Pollacappul Lough, beneath Dúchruach Mountain. It was said that 'the new monastery harmoniously integrates with its dramatic surroundings'. Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey. Pic: Peter Molloy
The judging panel added: 'Drawing on monastic traditions, the design evolves from a central garth and cloister, unfolding into a series of brick volumes of varying height and scale. The result is a serene and timeless structure that quietly complements its landscape through sensitive consideration of context, scale, materiality, and visual harmony.'
Kylemore Abbey executive Conor Coyne said: 'We are delighted. The award's going to Axo Architects who are a Mayobased firm and we are the client.' He added: 'It's the culmination of a long-term vision for the Benedictine Community at Kylemore Abbey who are 100 years in Connemara but this is the first time they've had a purpose-built monastery where they can continue to live their monastic vocation.'
The Abbey, which includes a residential retreat centre, received no State funding, but the money was raised from donors, benefactors and thousands of tourists who visit every year. Arklow Water Treatment Plant. Pic: Johan Dehlin
The runner-up was the Arklow Built to win: The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant and, right, Scoil Naomh Bríd Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was praised as 'a pioneering piece of civic infrastructure that embodies public good'.
In third place came the 12-classroom building at Scoil Naomh Bríd, Culleens in Ballina, Co. Mayo, which is 'filled with daylight, delight, colour, and joy', serving 330 children.
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Extra.ie
19-06-2025
- Extra.ie
Divine intervention! Galway Monastery wins prestigious architecture prize
Many prayers were answered yesterday when a stunning Connemara monastery was named as the public's choice of architectural design of the year. With 14,000 votes cast in total, the Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey emerged as the winner in the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland's prestigious 2025 Public Choice Award. The building, which officially opened last year, is nestled on the edge of Pollacappul Lough, beneath Dúchruach Mountain. It was said that 'the new monastery harmoniously integrates with its dramatic surroundings'. Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey. Pic: Peter Molloy The judging panel added: 'Drawing on monastic traditions, the design evolves from a central garth and cloister, unfolding into a series of brick volumes of varying height and scale. The result is a serene and timeless structure that quietly complements its landscape through sensitive consideration of context, scale, materiality, and visual harmony.' Kylemore Abbey executive Conor Coyne said: 'We are delighted. The award's going to Axo Architects who are a Mayobased firm and we are the client.' He added: 'It's the culmination of a long-term vision for the Benedictine Community at Kylemore Abbey who are 100 years in Connemara but this is the first time they've had a purpose-built monastery where they can continue to live their monastic vocation.' The Abbey, which includes a residential retreat centre, received no State funding, but the money was raised from donors, benefactors and thousands of tourists who visit every year. Arklow Water Treatment Plant. Pic: Johan Dehlin The runner-up was the Arklow Built to win: The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant and, right, Scoil Naomh Bríd Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was praised as 'a pioneering piece of civic infrastructure that embodies public good'. In third place came the 12-classroom building at Scoil Naomh Bríd, Culleens in Ballina, Co. Mayo, which is 'filled with daylight, delight, colour, and joy', serving 330 children.
Irish Times
18-06-2025
- Irish Times
Benedictine monastery at Kylemore Abbey voted Ireland's favourite building at RIAI awards
The Benedictine monastery at Kylemore Abbey in Connemara , Co Galway , has been voted as Ireland's favourite building as part of this year's Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) awards. The monastery, designed by Mayo -based architect Michael Horan of Axo Architects, topped the ballot in the public choice category, for which 14,000 votes were cast. The monastery ' is a remarkable example of how thoughtful, context-sensitive architecture can enhance both place and purpose', said RIAI president Seán Mahon. '[It] demonstrates a deep understanding of heritage, landscape, and community, creating a space that feels both grounded in tradition and relevant to the present. READ MORE Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey. Photograph: Peter Molloy Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey. Photograph: Peter Molloy Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey. Photograph: Peter Molloy 'We are thrilled to see the public recognise and celebrate architecture that enriches lives and contributes meaningfully to a much loved natural landscape and environment.' On the edge of Pollacappul Lough, beneath the Duchruach Mountain and close to Kylemore Abbey, the new monastery 'harmoniously integrates with its dramatic surroundings', the RIAI said. 'Drawing on monastic traditions, the design evolves from a central garth and cloister, unfolding into a series of brick volumes of varying height and scale. The result is a serene and timeless structure that quietly complements its landscape through sensitive consideration of context, scale, materiality and visual harmony.' The monastery took first place out of 48 shortlisted projects with the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant in Co Wicklow by Clancy Moore Architects in collaboration with Ayesha Engineers coming second. Scoil Naomh Bríd in Culleens, Ballina, Co Mayo, by SJK Architects took third place. The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant is described by the RIAI as 'a pioneering piece of civic infrastructure that embodies public good', while it says the 12-classroom building at Scoil Naomh Bríd is 'filled with daylight, delight, colour and joy'. The redevelopment of the Dún Laoghaire Baths in south Co Dublin by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council architects and A2 Architects, which opened up a 400m stretch of coastline, came in fourth. The RIAI's awards ceremony will take place on Thursday evening at the Merrion Cricket Pavilion on Anglesea Road, Dublin 4, where the full list of winners from all categories will be announced. Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant Scoil Naomh Bríd, Culleens Scoil Naomh Bríd, Culleens Scoil Naomh Bríd, Culleens Scoil Naomh Bríd, Culleens
Irish Examiner
13-06-2025
- Irish Examiner
Cast your vote for Ireland's favourite buildings and spaces
We all fancy ourselves as having an eye for design these days — from tiny tots snapping super-selfies at holiday hotspots to retirees in rambling clubs scaling castle ramparts to nab that award-winning uber-shot. You'd think the professionals would be apoplectic. Not so fast. Sean Mahon, the president of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI), puts it best. 'Architecture isn't just about buildings, it's about the experiences they create, the communities they support, and the future they help shape,' he tells Irish Examiner Home. Teach Sprúis, Eden Architects. Picture: Andrew Campion That's the spirit behind the RIAI Public Choice Award 2025, now in its 36th year. There are just days left to deadline as we're all called on to have our say before the online poll closes on Monday, June 16, at 5pm. 'The Public Choice Award gives everyone a voice in recognising the places that matter most. We're encouraging people to vote and be part of celebrating the positive impact architecture has on everyday life,' adds Mr Mahon. Church Square Monaghan, Henry J Lyons; Harcourt Terrace Educate Together NS, tún architecture + design; Beechville Gate Lodge, A2 Architects. From housing, schools, and libraries to greenways and civic infrastructure, this year's shortlist highlights the impact of great architecture on communities across Ireland and abroad. The Public Choice prize is the only Irish architectural award decided by public vote and celebrates the buildings and spaces that shape our everyday lives. Brick Built House, Courtney McDonnell Architects. Picture: Peter Molloy The RIAI received 124 project entries this year. Of these, 48 have been shortlisted for the Public Choice Award — including 21 in Dublin, 20 from across other counties, and 6 international projects by Irish architects. The scope of all entries is a beguiling blend of ideas and inspiration. Sundial, Donaghy + Dimond Architects. Picture: Fionn McCann Who wouldn't be dizzy with joy when asked to take a virtual spin around a living space called Sundial? Sadler's Wells East, O'Donnell + Tuomey. Picture: Nick Kane Or what's not to adore about being invited to slip into a front-row pew at that cathedral of dance to bear witness to the architects' play of light at London's Sadler's Wells? 'This award is a reminder of how well-designed buildings, from public infrastructure to community hubs, can make a real difference to people's lives,' says the RIAI president. Leeson Park Avenue, desiun architects; 55 Lad Lane, O'Donoghue & Associates Architects; Bailieborough Bridewell, Cooney Architects. Because all facets of life and community are here — spanning bridges to demolition projects, and heaven-on-earth homes to a coroner's court. 'We're encouraging everyone to have their say and vote for the projects they believe deserve recognition,' adds Mr Mahon. Victorian Return, Gró Works; Brady's Court, OBFA Architects; Tulach House, Ryan W Kennihan Architects. Visit to cast your vote and learn more about the shortlisted projects Read More How Waterford plundered its rich past for a more prosperous future
