A purpose-designed special educational needs school in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, designed by McGarry Ní Éanaigh Architects, has been chosen as Ireland’s favourite building as part of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland's (RIAI) Public Choice Award 2026.
The school, with its immense practicality and inclusive design, captured the imagination of the public and took top prize.
Elegant solution
The school was designed for students with complex needs, requiring architects to navigate regulations, site challenges and varied human experiences in order to “clear the fog” and find an elegant solution.
The project is a masterclass in inclusive design, providing a vibrant, intuitive new home for an established community of staff and students aged three to 18. Catering to pupils with moderate, severe, or profound learning disabilities, alongside students on the autism spectrum, the project demanded more than a standard blueprint.
Instead of fighting the existing topography, the architecture cleverly drapes a colourful, carefully crafted landscape over the terrain. This innovative design is the result of extensive research, testing and consultation. The outcome is a welcoming, calm and humane teaching environment. By clearing the logistical fog, the architects elevate the daily lives of the staff and students use it every day.
RIAI president Fionnuala May said: “The public choosing a building like this shows the value of architecture in public buildings, not just from a design perspective, but also in how it can have a profound impact on the daily lives of children. Architects are key problem solvers across all types of infrastructure, whether it be housing, energy, water, transport or schools.
“This new Special Educational Needs School in Letterkenny has transformed the lives of its students, staff and wider community, demonstrating the power of architecture to create meaningful and lasting change.
'High-quality public infrastructure'
"It stands as a compelling example of how architects are catalysts in the delivery of the high-quality public infrastructure needed by Ireland to meet our social and economic ambitions in the decades ahead.
"The voting for this school building clearly demonstrates the importance the public places on ensuring that all buildings are beautifully designed, inclusive places. From the RIAI’s perspective it also reinforces our view that good design matters to people and improves their quality of life.”
The runner-up, Project Connect by Henry J Lyons is a landmark academic building redefining the civic presence of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland on St Stephen’s Green. Balancing bold contemporary architecture with sensitivity to its historic surroundings.
In third place, the Shackleton Experience in Athy by OBFA has transformed the protected structure into a world-class visitor experience, boldly reimagining the building as a civic and cultural home for Ernest Shackleton’s legacy.
This year, the RIAI received an impressive 174 entries, with 44 projects from across the country and six internationally shortlisted, ranging from the USA to Japan.
The RIAI Awards 2026 are proudly supported by Gold Sponsors: Sika Ireland and VELUX.