The spotlight is on Cork’s most inspiring buildings as the shortlist for the 2025 Cork Better Building Awards is unveiled. From heritage restorations to innovative new developments, this year’s nominees reflect a city that continues to blend tradition, creativity, and sustainability in its built environment.
Organised by the Cork Business Association (CBA) and supported by Cork City Council, the awards celebrate those who invest in maintaining, enhancing, and reimagining Cork’s urban landscape. Alongside direct entries, the public nominated their favourite buildings, creating a vibrant and diverse shortlist that captures the character of the city.
A newly appointed independent panel of experts will oversee the judging this year:
Clara O’Neill, Director, Total Planning Solutions;
Mary McCarthy, Director, Crawford Art Gallery;
Gwen Jordan (Head Judge), Senior Planner, Cork City Council;
Kevin Cullen, Planner, Cork City Council;
Dr. Seán O’Leary, Senior Planner, Irish Planning Institute; and
Lawrence Owens, Director, Cork Business Association.
Together, they bring a wealth of expertise in planning, architecture, heritage and business, ensuring each entry is assessed with both creative and civic insight.
“These awards have become a very special and positive annual event for our city.” said Clara O’Neill, Director, Total Planning Solutions and Chair of Cork Business Association Cork 2030 committee. “They reward and acknowledge the building owners and occupants who, as the custodians of our built fabric, play such a vital role in shaping how Cork is perceived. It is great to be part of an event that celebrates the immense contribution our buildings and the businesses and people in them, make to the city’s unique sense of place”
Head Judge Gwen Jordan added: “This year’s shortlist highlights the incredible balance between innovation and heritage in Cork. The quality of submissions is inspiring — proof that Cork continues to lead by example in thoughtful, sustainable design.”
The shortlisted nominees for the Cork Better Building Awards 2025 are:
Best in Heritage, Conservation & Sustainability
Cork Public Museum, Fitzgerald Park
Nadur Deli, Douglas St
The Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain St
Best Retail Frontage
Here’s Health, Oliver Plunkett St
Aunty Nellie’s, Oliver Plunkett St
Planet Beauty, Winthrop St
Best New Development
Moxy Hotel
MTU Learning Resource Centre, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown
Munster Rugby
Best Commercial Development
Axa, South Mall
Irish Examiner and The Echo Office, Oliver Plunkett St
Kuma Bikes, Ship St
Climate Resilience Award
Munster Rugby
Ballyphehane Community Centre
Café 115
Best Café / Restaurant
Mantra Indian Restaurant, Princes St
Bayou, MacCurtain St
Boname, North Main St
Best in Tourism and Arts
Bakestone, Perry St
Cork Public Museum
Potteria, Douglas St
Best Pub Front
Pier Head, Blackrock
Costigan’s
The Roundy, Castle St
City Living Award
Springville House, Blackrock
Errigal View Social Housing Development, The Glen,
3 Lower Grattan St
Cora Murphy, Douglas St
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in The Metropole Hotel on Friday, November 7th, where a special Judges’ Choice Award will also be revealed.