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Irish Independent
19-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Mayo architects who designed new €10m Kylemore Abbey monastery win major award
Axo Architects, who designed the €10 million Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey, came ahead of 47 other designs to win the much sought-after award. Located by Pollacappul Lough, beneath Duchruach Mountain and near the historic Kylemore Abbey in west Connemera, County Galway, the new monastery 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,' read a citation from the RIAI. Headed by Westport native Michael Horan, Axo Architects also designed the Kylemore Interpretation project, which was constructed by Galway-based firm, Carey Building Contractors. This saw the interior of the abbey redesigned and landscaping works undertaken outside building to enhance the visitor experience. 'We wanted the building, when we designed it, to be understated, to takes its rightful place in the estate but without dominating and without wanting to be brash,' Mr Horan told the Irish Independent shortly after the monastery was named winner of the RIAI Public Choice Award. A community of 15 Benedictine nuns moved into the new monastery at Kylemore Abbey last year, more than 350 years after their order was founded in the Belgium town of Ypres, where the nuns were known as 'the Irish Dames'. Today, Kylemore Abbey is one of the top visitor attractions in Connemara. Located 15.5 kilometres from Leenane in County Mayo, the abbey draws an estimated 500,000 visitors to the region annually and employs up to 150 people at the peak of the tourist season. Built as a castle in 1871 by English industrialist and MP for County Galway, Mitchell Henry, the Benedictine nuns moved into the building in 1920 after fleeing from Belgium to Connemara during the First World War. Three years later, they founded the renowned Kylemore Abbey all-girls boarding school, which closed in 2010. Their new home, which is one of the only working monasteries left in the country, was designed to keep the nuns at the centre of Kylemore Abbey while affording them privacy and silence. Previous the nuns lived in a farmhouse where the nuns were 'living on top of each other' and unable to have processions. Their new monastery was officially opened and blessed last year by Archbishop Francis Duffy, who described it as 'very rare event in Ireland and perhaps in western Europe'. The monastery was built with the same type of pale-coloured bricks used to construct the mausoleum at Kylemore. It is the final resting place of Mitchell Henry's wife, Margaret, who died on a family holiday to Egypt in 1874. Describing the RIAI Public Choice Award as a 'huge' achievement, Michael Horan thanked all those who voted for the new monastery and all his staff, both past and present, for their work on the project. The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant finished in second place in the RIAI Public Choice Awards, which saw approximately 14,000 votes cast by the public. The 12-classroom building at Scoil Naomh Bríd in Culleens, Ballina, designed by Simon J Kelly Architects, secured third place while the Dún Laoghaire Baths finished fourth. RIAI President, Seán Mahon FRIAI, said: 'This year's Public Choice Award winner is a remarkable example of how thoughtful, context-sensitive architecture can enhance both place and purpose. The new monastery at Kylemore Abbey demonstrates a deep understanding of heritage, landscape, and community, creating a space that feels both grounded in tradition and relevant to the present. 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.' This year, the RIAI Irish Architecture Awards received 124 entries, with 48 projects shortlisted for the Public Choice Award — 21 from Dublin, 20 from regional Ireland, and six international projects by Irish architects. The RIAI Irish Architecture Awards will take place tomorrow evening at the Merrion Cricket Pavilion – itself an award-winning building by TAKA Architects – where the full list of winners across all categories will be announced.
Irish Times
18-06-2025
- General
- 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
The Journal
18-06-2025
- General
- The Journal
This Galway monastery has been voted Ireland's favourite new building of 2025
THE BENEDICTINE MONASTERY at Kylemore Abbey in Co Galway has won the 'Public Choice' award at the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Architecture Awards. The institute said 14,000 votes were cast in total, with the monastery emerging as the winner. The Kylemore building was designed by Axo Architects for The Kylemore Trust. It is located on the edge of Pollacappul Lough, beneath the Duchruach Mountain and near the historic Kylemore Abbey. There were 14,000 votes cast by the public for the award. RIAI RIAI RIAI president Seán Mahon said the winning entry 'demonstrates a deep understanding of heritage, landscape, and community, creating a space that feels both grounded in tradition and relevant to the present'. Advertisement '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,' he said. The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant in Co Wicklow came in second place. It was designed by Clancy Moore Architects in collaboration with Ayesa Engineers The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant in Co Wicklow came in second place. RIAI RIAI The 12-classrooom building at Scoil Naomh Bríd Culleens, designed by SJK Architects finished in third, while the redevelopment of the Dún Laoghaire Baths in Dublin by dlr architects and A2 Architects came in fourth place. There were 124 entries for the RIAI Irish Architecture Awards this year, with 48 projects shortlisted for the Public Choice Award. The full list of winners across all categories will be announced at the awards tomorrow, which are taking place at the Merrion Cricket Pavilion. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Examiner
13-06-2025
- General
- 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
The Journal
30-05-2025
- General
- The Journal
The 'cathedral of crap' and Trinity Campanile among 2025 contenders for Ireland's favourite building
CONTENDERS FOR IRELAND'S favourite architectural project of 2025 have been announced as voting opens to the public . The 36th annual Public Choice Award hosted by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), which has seen past winners include the Criminal Courts of Justice in 2010 and the Royal College of Surgeons premises at St. Stephen's Green, features 48 candidates this year. The prize is given to the building or public space that exhibits the most excellence in design and delivery of buildings. The Lark Concert Hall in Balbriggan, north Dublin is the current holder of the coveted prize, and it looks as though this year's competition is highly contested as the shortlist for 2025 has been announced. Here are ten of the 48 projects vying for the title. Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant, Wicklow Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant, otherwise known as the 'cathedral of crap' RIAI RIAI Warmly referred to as a 'cathedral of crap' by The Guardian owing to its implicitly stated role in the Wicklow town, the inspiration for the €139 million project comes from the Sydney Opera House. The construction has been vaunted for its smooth aesthetic design which was completed by Clancy Moore Architects in collaboration with Ayesa Engineers on behalf of Uisce Éireann. Droichead an Dóchais Droichead an Dóchais, Galway RIAI RIAI Meaning 'Bridge of Hope' in Irish, this new project stands beside the old Salmon Weir Bridge on the River Corrib in front of the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas. Developed by Seán Harrington Architects, the bridge serves as a thoroughfare for pedestrians and cyclists alike, traversing three waterways to connect the University of Galway and the city centre. Tolka Estuary Greenway, Dublin Port Tolka Estuary Greenway, Dublin Port RIAI RIAI Conceptualised by Darmody Architecture and TTT (thirtythreetrees), this greenway sheds its former status as desolate wasteland, stretching 2.2km at Dublin Port to overlook the Dublin skyline and port. It contains a series of three distinct character spaces and celebrates Dublin Port's industrial heritage and history. Trinity Campanile Tower Trinity Campanile Tower, Trinity College RIAI RIAI Howley Hayes Cooney Architecture took on the role of refurbishing this iconic Irish landmark in Trinity College Dublin's city centre campus. The tower underwent extensive repair works after centuries of wear and tear to conserve its aesthetic. Expert craftsmen were deployed to restore the tower's most important features and to undo substandard previous works. Advertisement Two Grand Parade, Dublin Two Grand Parade, Dublin RIAI RIAI Located along the serene Grand Canal, Henry J Lyons produced this silky merge of heritage and modernity. It functions as an office space and is recognisable by its complex façade work achieved by virtue of its restoration works to the surrounding building's older structure, incorporating a reimagined entrance plaza and water feature. Leeson Park Avenue Leeson Park Avenue, Dublin RIAI RIAI A modernised extension to a Victorian house in leafy south Dublin overlooks the Royal Hospital Donnybrook. Its timber screen front covers a kitchen pitched above the level of the historic wall beneath, projecting new age design conceived by desiun architects. Scoil Naomh Bríd Culleens, Mayo Scoil Naomh Bríd Culleens, Mayo RIAI RIAI A twelve-classroom primary school project by SJK Architects is up for this year's award for its colourful splash of creativity in bringing education alive for its 330 pupils. It features a two-classroom integrated Special Education Needs unit and invites daylight and openness into its immaculate design. The Redevelopment of Dún Laoghaire Baths, Dublin The Redevelopment of Dún Laoghaire Baths RIAI RIAI This public infrastructure work by dlr architects and A2 Architects on the 400-metre stretch of south Dublin coastline produced accommodates a café, toilets and artist studios. It has introduced a new walkway between Newtownsmith's promenade and Dún Laoghaire's East Pier with new viewing points. There are also accessible ramps, seating and a sculpture of Roger Casement on a new jetty. Monaghan Peace Campus, Monaghan Monaghan Peace Campus, Monaghan Donal McCann Photography Donal McCann Photography Hall Black Douglas is behind this design for the purposes of providing an inclusive 'living room' to local people. It serves to marry Monaghan town's urban and rural landscapes into a symbol of the future by gathering a museum, library and youth hub around accessible community spaces. Demolition Take Down, Dublin Demolition Take Down RIAI RIAI Led by Islander Architects, this project in October 2023 to raise awareness of the waste levels produced by the construction industry. It calls on policy makers, councils, construction industry workers and clients to take urgent climate action. This public installation in the courtyard of the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin 8 attempts to visually exhibit the sheer volume of waste created in the building process and included input from industry professionals and students of construction. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
