Revealed: Cork’s 10 best buildings, according to the Better Buildings Awards

The winners have been announced.
Cork’s Better Building Awards were presented at a special awards ceremony in The Metropole Hotel today,
The Awards, which are organised by Cork Business Association in partnership with Cork City Council, focus on the care and presentation of the city’s built heritage as well as the integration and enhancement of new developments within the city.
Cork Flower Studio’s inviting shopfront and community-oriented approach earned it the Best in Retail award. Judges praised its high standard of external paintwork, attractive colour scheme, and the incorporation of the parklet outside.
Best Pub Front went to Barry’s of Douglas, which impressed judges with its year-round commitment to consistent maintenance and festive displays.
Over on MacCurtain Street, MacCurtain Wine Cellar was awarded Best Café/Restaurant for the owner’s work in incorporating a new business into a historical building. Judges commended its new and timeless look, exemplifying the renaissance of MacCurtain Street.
Judges Choice was 58 MacCurtain Street, which has been transformed from “eyesore” status and exemplifies best practice in the refurbishment and reuse of vacant historic buildings. The judges said the craftsmanship and attention to detail resulted in a truly exceptional building, providing much-needed additional homes in the city centre.
Here’s the Cork Better Buildings Awards 2023 winners list in full:
Heritage and Conservation
Winner: Broga House, Washington Street
Tourism and Arts
Winner: The Kingsley Hotel, Carrigrohane Road
Best in Retail
Winner: Cork Flower Studio, Douglas Street
Best Commercial Frontage
Winner: PTSB, St. Patrick’s St
Best Pub Front
Winner: Barry’s of Douglas
Special Merit: Annie Mac’s, Bandon Road
Best Café/Restaurant
Winner: MacCurtain Wine Cellar, MacCurtain St.
Climate Resilience
Winner: The Old Oak, Oliver Plunkett Street
City Living
Winner: Upper Cattle Market St Apartments
Best New Development
Winner: UCC Crow’s Nest, Victoria Cross Road
Judges Choice:
Winner: 58 MacCurtain Street