New Galway monastery voted as Ireland’s favorite building for 2025

The Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey by Axo Architects has been revealed as the winner of the prestigious 2025 Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Public Choice Award.

The Benedictine Monastery emerged as the winner after 14,000 votes were cast.

Announcing the Benedictine Monastery as the winner, RIAI said the project "has captured hearts across the country, reflecting its exceptional architectural merit and deep connection to its environment and community."

The Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey

Nestled on the edge of Pollacappul Lough, beneath the rugged Duchruach Mountain and near the historic Kylemore Abbey, the new monastery harmoniously integrates with its dramatic surroundings.

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 Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey by Axo Architects.

"This year’s Public Choice Award winner is a remarkable example of how thoughtful, context-sensitive architecture can enhance both place and purpose," Seán Mahon, RIAI President, FRIAI, said.

"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.”

The RIAI Irish Architecture Awards received 124 entries this year, with 48 projects shortlisted for the Public Choice Award—21 from Dublin, 20 from regional Ireland, and six international projects by Irish architects.

Fininshing in second place, the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant, finishing in second place, marks a pioneering piece of civic infrastructure that embodies public good.

Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant by Clancy Moore Architects.

In third place, the new 12-classroom building at Scoil Naomh Bríd Culleens is filled with daylight, delight, colour and joy, serving the education and wellbeing of 330 children.

Scoil Naomh Bríd Culleens by SJK Architects. (Photo by Kelvin Gillmor)

In fourth place, the redevelopment of the Dún Laoghaire Baths has reimagined and opened up a 400-m stretch of coastline.

The top 10 Projects in the RIAI Public Choice Award 2025 are:

1. Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey by Axo Architects for The Kylemore Trust
2. Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant by Clancy Moore Architects in collaboration with Ayesa Engineers for Uisce Éireann / Irish Water
3. Scoil Naomh Bríd, Culleens, by SJK Architects for Board of Management, Scoil Naomh Bríd Culleens
4. The Redevelopment of Dún Laoghaire Baths by dlr architects and A2 Architects for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
5. Lough Corrib 471 by Helena McElmeel Architects for Claran, Clydagh, Collinamuck and St. Annin's National Schools, Corrib Beo and Arts Council
6. Saint Paul’s Monasterevin by de Blacam and Meagher Architects for Department of Education and Youth
7. Dublin Simon Community by O'Connell Mahon Architects for Dublin Simon Community
8. Athlone Greenway Bridge by Seán Harrington Architects for Westmeath County Council
9. Harcourt Terrace Educate Together National School by tún - architecture + design for Department of Education and Youth
10. Tolka Estuary Greenway by Darmody Architecture and TTT (thirtythreetrees) for Dublin Port Company 

About the RIAI

The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) supports and regulates the architectural profession and promotes the value that architecture brings to society for everyone’s benefit. It works to ensure high standards for consumer protection and have over 3,800 Registered Architects in Ireland and close to 4,900 Members.