Carey Building Contractors wins Contractor Residential Project of the Year at Irish Construction Industry Awards 2025

Honoured for heritage integration and sustainable craftsmanship last year, Carey Building Contractors claimed Contractor Residential Project of the Year – Over €5M at the Irish Construction Industry Awards 2025 for the Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore, setting a benchmark for conservation-led construction as the sector advances toward 2026.

The Benedictine Monastery represents the order's first new monastery in 350 years, demanding a construction approach that balances contemporary building standards with historical authenticity and spiritual purpose.

Carey Building Contractors delivered bespoke craftsmanship throughout the project while integrating sustainable practices and biodiversity protection measures. The strategic use of local workforce and materials reinforced regional economic impact while ensuring construction methods respected the site's cultural and environmental sensitivity.

Judges praised the project's fusion of modern capability with heritage preservation principles.

"This entry was recognised by our judges for its exceptional integration of modern construction with heritage preservation, resulting in a unique and historically significant project," the panel said. "The use of local workforce and materials, along with a focus on biodiversity protection highlights the project's positive impact on both the community and the environment."

This achievement underscores evolving expectations across the Irish Construction Industry Awards, where high-value residential projects increasingly require contractors to demonstrate conservation expertise, environmental stewardship, and community engagement alongside technical delivery. As heritage tourism and rural regeneration gain policy prominence, the ability to execute culturally significant builds with ecological sensitivity becomes a defining sector capability.

Carrying forward momentum from 2025, the next cycle of awards will challenge contractors to advance residential construction through innovation in heritage techniques, sustainable material sourcing, and community-centred delivery. Which projects will establish the next benchmark for conservation-led residential excellence this 2026?

For past winners, category details, and updates, visit the official Irish Construction Industry Awards website and subscribe to the newsletter for exclusive insights and coverage from Ireland's construction sector.