One of Cork’s most iconic landmarks, St Anne’s Church in Shandon, has taken top honours at the 2026 Cork Better Buildings Awards, receiving the prestigious Judges’ Choice Award in recognition of extensive restoration and conservation works.
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:
“Famous for its Shandon Bells, distinctive tower and the Goldie fish weathervane, St Anne’s 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.
“The award celebrates the care and craftsmanship involved in preserving one of the city’s most treasured historic buildings for future generations.”
Organised by Cork Business Association (CBA) in partnership with Cork City Council, with sponsorship from across Cork’s business community, the Better Building Awards recognise excellence in the care, presentation, conservation and enhancement of Cork’s built environment.
This year 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. Extending across approximately 32 hectares, Marina Park is a major new public amenity and a central element of the ongoing regeneration of the South Docklands, providing valuable green space for residents, workers and visitors.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Clara O’Neill, President of Cork Business Association, said:
“As a town planner, these awards are particularly close to my heart. From landmark heritage buildings and revitalised shopfronts to contemporary commercial developments and imaginative public spaces, they celebrate the property owners, businesses and organisations who are helping to shape Cork’s appearance and character.
“As we in the CBA continue to advocate for greater investment in Cork city, including initiatives such as ‘living over the shop’ and ‘living in the city’, it is particularly encouraging to see property owners and businesses taking such a proactive approach to improving and maintaining their buildings.
“The CBA will continue to champion practical, solution-led initiatives and seek both creative and financial support to encourage further investment in the building stock, appearance and vitality of Ireland’s second city.
“Maintaining, restoring and enhancing buildings requires considerable commitment and investment. These awards recognise that effort and celebrate those who are making a real and lasting contribution to Cork’s built environment.”
The awards ceremony was MC’d by Peter O’Meara, Managing Director of Savills, and attended by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Damien Boylan; Minister Jerry Buttimer TD; Seamus McGrath TD; and Valerie O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City Council, alongside representatives from Cork’s business, planning, architectural and property communities.
Among this year’s winners were Triskel Arts Centre, Sugar Plum Sweetery, Penrose Dock and Millfield Cottages, demonstrating the breadth of projects and properties recognised by the awards.
2026 Cork Better Building Award Winners
| Category | Winner |
| Judges’ Choice Award | St Anne’s Church, Shandon |
| Best Tourism & Arts sponsored by Cork Airport | Triskel Arts Centre |
| Retail sponsored by Opera Lane | Sugar Plum Sweetery, Oliver Plunkett St |
| Café / Restaurant | Sprout & Co, Winthrop Street |
| Pub Front sponsored by Heineken | The Merchant, South Mall |
| Placemaking Award sponsored by Clyde Real Estate | Marina Promenade & Walkway |
| Best Commercial Premises sponsored by PTSB | The Hive Padel Club |
| Climate Resilience & Sustainability sponsored by KSN Horizon | Penrose Dock |
| City Living sponsored by Glenveagh Homes | Millfield Cottages, Blackpool |
| Best in Heritage & Conservation sponsored by Net Zero Group | Annmount, St Lukes |
Merit Awards
- Retail: TW Murray, St Patrick Street
- City Living: 110 St Patrick Street, Clarendon Properties
Congratulations to all the winners of Cork’s Better Buildings Awards 2026!