The RIAI Public Choice Award is open to members of the public to choose their favorite project from a shortlist of buildings designed by Registered Architects. 

Now in their 35th year, the RIAI Architecture Awards received 180 entries, with 42 projects shortlisted and now in the running for the Public Choice Award.

This year’s shortlist includes buildings and public spaces located in all corners of the island of Ireland– from small rural communities and towns in counties Derry, Galway, Kildare, Meath, Monaghan, and Wicklow, to large urban centres, Dublin and Cork. The shortlist also includes international representation with a project in Poland.

Here are just some of the buildings that have been placed on the shortlist: 

Price’s Medical Hall, Co Dublin 

Located in Dublin 2, Price's Medical Hall is a well-known pharmacy since 1837. The Protected Structure is from the early Georgian era (1760-1810) with a Victorian timber corner shopfront and beautiful carved timber and cast iron detailing.  

Sperrin House, Co Derry

Sperrin House blends tradition and sustainability. The contemporary timber-clad ”barn-like” form sits atop a textured concrete base, maximizing views over the Sperrin. 

Castleblayney Library and Market Square, Co. Monaghan

This project involves the conservation and adaption of two gate lodges, framing the entrance to Hope Castle Estate, creating a public library and community spaces, and an extension containing a children’s library.

New Farmhouse, Co Wicklow

This farmhouse is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The design was inspired by surrounding agricultural buildings and used passive solar principles to achieve a high environmental rating. Irish-grown Douglas fir timber was used for the structure. 

Stone Vessel, Co Cork

The Rambling Houses at Fartha were proposed as a set of three experimental structures, demonstrations of local skills and built in locally sourced materials. Rambling houses were found in old Irish villages, gathering places for music and storytelling, places open to the passer-by. 

Stone Vessel, the second in the series, is built entirely out of stone and assembled by hand, stone on stone.

Commenting on the awards, RIAI President Sean Mahon said: “We are very pleased to invite the public to participate in the Public Choice Award, an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements in architecture across Ireland...Each project showcases a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community, reflecting the value that thoughtful design brings to every aspect of our daily lives.

You can vote for the RIAI Public Choice Award for Ireland's favorite building or public space 2024 here.