Little Angels School ‘has transformed the lives of its students’

The state-of-the-art facility, set within a landscape of sensory gardens and trails, scooped the top public choice award

Published 18th Jun 2026, 16:18 BST Little Angels, which was recognised as Ireland's favourite building | Richard Hatch The state-of-the-art facility, set within a landscape of sensory gardens and trails, scooped the top public choice award Sign up to our Donegal Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Donegal Live within your account.

Little Angels School has been recognised as “Ireland’s favourite building”.

The purpose-designed special education school won the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Public Choice Award, 2026.

Designed by McGarry Ní Éanaigh Architects, the state-of-the-art facility is set within a landscape of sensory gardens and trails, and its inclusive design scooped the top prize. Comprising 21 classrooms, the school accommodates 144 students and 100 members of staff.

“The public choosing a building like this shows the value of architecture in public buildings, not just from a design perspective, but also in how it can have a profound impact on the daily lives of children,” RIAI President, Fionnuala May said.

“Architects are key problem solvers across all types of infrastructure, whether it be housing, energy, water, transport or schools. This new Special Educational Needs School in Letterkenny has transformed the lives of its students, staff and wider community, demonstrating the power of architecture to create meaningful and lasting change.

“It stands as a compelling example of how architects are catalysts in the delivery of the high-quality public infrastructure needed by Ireland to meet our social and economic ambitions in the decades ahead.

“The voting for this school building clearly demonstrates the importance the public places on ensuring that all buildings are beautifully designed, inclusive places. From the RIAI’s perspective, it also reinforces our view that good design matters to people and improves their quality of life.”

Located in Letterkenny, Little Angels is a school for children with moderate to severe learning difficulties | Little Angels The RIAI received a total of 174 entries, ranging from the United States of America to Japan.

Originally established in 1980, the new state-of-the-art building opened its doors in 2025. " The staff at Little Angels do great work every day and it’s great that the staff and pupils are now accommodated in an ultra-modern building that has taken the school into the modern age,” Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Charlie McConalogue TD said.

“The new build ensures that every child who walks through its doors is given the environment, support, and resources they need to develop and achieve their full potential.“For Little Angels Special School to be recognised nationally as Ireland’s favourite building is a wonderful achievement for Letterkenny and Donegal . It’s also a most fitting way to end the first academic year at the new school.“Little Angels Special School has come a long way since it was established in 1980 by a dedicated group of parents whose vision should be remembered and acknowledged at this time of celebration.”

Funding announced for literacy projects across Donegal Department of Education to enter into conversation with Donegal's DCB schools Little Angels is due to come under the patronage of Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB) in September.

"We are absolutely thrilled with the news of this national award,” Donegal Education and Training Board Chief Executive Anne McHugh said.

“It is a fantastic achievement for the Little Angels School and for McGarry Ní Éanaigh Architects who designed it. This beautiful school building is a special building in so many ways that not only represents the vision of the architects but also represents the hard work of so many dedicated people. To have that vision and hard work validated with the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland Public Choice award is incredible.

“This building gives the students and staff an environment they can truly be proud of. It's a wonderful day for the entire school community and we sincerely thank the public here in Donegal and across the country for recognising it with this wonderful award."

Related topics: Donegal ETB Charlie McConalogue Letterkenny Donegal Sign up to our Donegal Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Donegal Live within your account.