Irish conservation projects win big at Europa Nostra Awards

Irish conservation projects have received two awards at the Europa Nostra European Heritage Awards 2026.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) won the Grand Prix in the Education, Training & Skills category for its Improving the Energy Performance of Heritage Properties in State Care initiative.

The social history museum on 14 Henrietta Street, Dublin, also received recognition in the Citizens' Engagement and Awareness-raising category.

The awards were presented during the European Cultural Heritage Summit in Nicosia, Cyprus, with over 500 heritage professionals, volunteers, enthusiasts and supporters in attendance.

Heritage projects are recognised for their work in energy performance, training, public engagement and the preservation and interpretation of architectural and social history.

The OPW initiative was developed to help public authorities improve the energy performance of historic buildings while protecting their heritage value.

The Europa Nostra board noted that the initiative "conveys a truly impactful message, demonstrating what can be achieved through climate-focused approaches in the cultural heritage sector, while establishing clear methodologies and training frameworks that are both replicable and transferable."

The initiative includes technical guidance, six energy renovation case studies covering different heritage building types, and a three-day programme.

14 Henrietta Street, operated by Dublin City Council Culture Company, received its award for its work exploring Dublin's social heritage through the lives of former residents.

The museum uses guided tours, oral histories and public programmes to connect the history and architecture of the building with the experiences of the people who lived there.

"14 Henrietta Street demonstrates that heritage is not only contained within buildings, or collections, but within people, memory and shared experience," said Laura Keogh, Director of Engagement at Dublin City Council Culture Company.

"We offer a living model of urban heritage: one where conservation protects not only the fabric of the building, but also the memories, stories and human experiences connected to it."