Two standout public projects in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown have brought positive Dublin news, after Blackrock Tearooms and Shanganagh Castle Estate secured major honours at the RIAI Architecture Awards 2026. The awards shine a light on how thoughtful design can improve daily life, protect heritage, and shape stronger communities across the county.
The recognition was announced by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, which celebrated wins in both conservation and housing. Together, the projects reflect a broader ambition in Dublin business and civic planning: to deliver places that are practical, sustainable, and built to last.
RIAI recognition for two major dlr projects
At this year’s awards, Shanganagh Castle Estate won in the Living – Housing category, while Blackrock Tearooms claimed the Conservation award. Both developments were praised for architectural quality, public value, and strong collaboration between local authority teams and design partners.
These wins matter beyond the design world. They add to the stream of Dublin news that shows how investment in public infrastructure, housing, and heritage continues to reshape the capital’s suburbs in meaningful ways.
Shanganagh Castle Estate sets a housing benchmark
Shanganagh Castle Estate was developed in partnership with the Land Development Agency and designed by ABK Architects, working alongside the council’s housing and architecture teams. The project has been presented as a leading example of sustainable housing delivered at scale.
Its significance lies in more than numbers. The estate is intended to create a lasting community in Shankill, combining high-quality design with liveability and environmental thinking. At a time when housing remains one of the biggest issues in Ireland, projects like this are especially important.
- Recognised in the Living – Housing category
- Delivered with the Land Development Agency
- Designed to support sustainable community growth in Shankill
Read more: Dublin news and public development updates | Ireland housing and planning coverage
Blackrock Tearooms wins for conservation excellence
Blackrock Tearooms received the Conservation award for a restoration approach that respected the site’s historic character while improving its long-term public use. The work was carefully detailed by 7L Architects, with support from the council’s parks and conservation teams.
The project also connects to the Blackrock Park Masterplan 2020 and forms part of wider upgrades made in the park over recent years. Rather than simply preserving an old structure, the scheme strengthens its role as a public amenity for residents and visitors alike.
This is the kind of Dublin news that highlights the value of conservation when it is handled with care. Historic buildings can remain active and useful, not just admired from a distance.
Why these awards matter for Dublin
The double win underlines how local government, architects, and development partners can work together to deliver visible public benefit. In one project, the focus was future housing; in the other, it was architectural heritage. Both support a better urban experience.
For readers following Dublin business, planning, and local development, the awards offer a useful reminder that successful investment is not only about commercial returns. It can also mean:
- Creating well-designed homes for growing communities
- Protecting important heritage assets
- Improving parks and public spaces
- Raising the standard for future civic projects
Explore more: Design, architecture and lifestyle trends in Ireland | Latest Dublin news from across the city and county
Looking ahead
With recognition for both Shanganagh Castle Estate and Blackrock Tearooms, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown has secured a strong moment in Dublin news for 2026. The awards reinforce the importance of building sustainable neighbourhoods while also caring for the structures that define local character. The clear takeaway is simple: when public bodies invest in quality design, communities benefit for decades.
