Iconic St Anne’s in Shandon wins top Better Building Award

One of Cork’s most iconic landmarks, St Anne’s Church in Shandon, has taken top honours at the 2026 Cork Better Building Awards.

The awards, hosted at The Metropole Hotel on Friday, aim to recognise excellence in the care, presentation, conservation, and enhancement of Cork’s built environment.

This year, receiving the prestigious Judges’ Choice Award, was St Anne’s Church in Shandon in recognition of the extensive restoration and conservation works undertaken at the site.

Affectionately known as the Four-Faced Liar, the famous clock has long been part of Cork folklore, with its four faces sometimes displaying slightly different times.

Gwen Jordan, senior planner with Cork City Council and lead judge of the awards, said St Anne’s, “famous for its Shandon Bells, distinctive tower and the Goldie fish weathervane, has been a defining feature of Cork’s skyline for generations”.

“Recent restoration works have included repairs to its original, 300-year-old entrance door, repointing of historic stonework, and the repair and regilding of its iconic clock faces,” said Ms Jordan.

“The award celebrates the care and craftsmanship involved in preserving one of the city’s most treasured historic buildings for future generations.”

This year’s awards also saw the introduction of a new Placemaking Award, recognising the importance of attractive, accessible and welcoming public spaces in creating a vibrant city.

The inaugural Placemaking award went to the Marina Promenade & Walkway, part of the wider Marina Park development in Cork’s South Docklands.

Other winners included the Triskel Arts Centre, Sugar Plum Sweetery, Penrose Dock and Millfield Cottages.

Clara O’Neill, president of Cork Business Association, said the awards are “celebrate the property owners, businesses and organisations who are helping to shape Cork’s appearance and character”.

“Maintaining, restoring and enhancing buildings requires considerable commitment and investment,” said Ms O’Neill.