Monaghan Peace Campus receives dual recognition; Church Square wins Urban Design Award
Monaghan County Council is pleased to announce that two of its flagship public projects have received national recognition at the 2025 RIAI Architecture Awards, held on 22 June at the Merrion Cricket Club in Dublin. Organised by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), these awards represent the highest honour in Irish architecture, celebrating excellence, innovation, and the contribution of design to public life.
Together, Monaghan Peace Campus and the Church Square Regeneration Project secured a total of three major awards, reinforcing Monaghan’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and people-centred design in the public realm.
Monaghan Peace Campus – Designed by Hall Black Douglas Architects
The Universal Design Award: Supported by the Centre for Excellence for Universal Design at the National Disability Authority
Public Buildings Award
The Monaghan Peace Campus was recognised with two prestigious awards for its exemplary approach to civic architecture. Combining a library, youth centre, cultural spaces, and community services under one roof, the project has become a national model for accessibility, cohesion, and multifunctional design. It reflects a deep commitment to shared use, universal access, and civic pride.
Church Square, Monaghan – Designed by Henry J Lyons Architects
Urban Design Award
The rejuvenation of Church Square in Monaghan town was honoured for its outstanding urban design. The project sensitively reimagines a key historic public space, integrating modern infrastructure and vibrant landscaping to create a dynamic, welcoming environment for everyday use, events, and community gatherings.
Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, Robert Burns welcomed the announcement, stating: “These are very prestigious awards and represent an excellent outcome for both the architects and Monaghan County Council as client and project sponsor. These awards are recognition of the brilliant architects who designed the projects and also reflect the importance that Monaghan County Council places on investing in high-quality, attractive and accessible public buildings and spaces.
Speaking following the awards, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council Cllr PJ O’Hanlon said: “We are immensely proud to see Monaghan recognised on a national stage. These awards are a testament to the collaborative work of our teams, architects, and the wider community. They show what can be achieved when design and public service come together to create spaces that serve and uplift everyone.”
Monaghan County Council extends warm congratulations and thanks to Hall Black Douglas Architects, Henry J Lyons Architects, and all who contributed to the success of these projects.
View the full list of 2025 RIAI Award winners at: