Kinsale Library recognised at RIAI awards 

KINSALE Library was recognised at the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Awards 2024, scooping a top conservation award and also being named as one of the runners-up from 42 projects competing to be named the public’s favourite building.

The awards celebrate excellence in the design and delivery of buildings by registered architects.

The library, located in the James O’Neill Building (Old Mill), was designed inhouse by Cork County Council’s architects department.

The project saw the transformation of the three-storey Old Mill from a boarded-up 19th century grain store into an innovative public library and exhibition space.

More than 20,000 votes were cast by the general public in this year’s competition for the nation’s favourite building and the winner was The Lark Concert Hall in Balbriggan, Fingal, by Stephen Foley Architects and CAMPUS.

Castleblayney Library and Market Square Regeneration came in second place followed by Kinsale Library in third. Kinsale Library was also named as the winner of the Conservation, Adaptation and Re-Use category and was described as being an inspiring example of how vacant buildings in towns can be transformed into vibrant community amenities.

RIAI president Sean Mahon FRIAI said this year’s projects had been “spectacular”.

“Each project plays a crucial role in enhancing our social fabric, economy, culture, and identity,” he said. “With this year’s theme focusing on sustainability, and the reuse and retrofit of old buildings for enhanced energy efficiency, I am delighted to see several projects thrive in this area with many acting as a guiding example of effective transformation.”