Blacks Brewery and Distillery has been shortlisted in the Building of the Year – Tourism, Leisure & Hospitality category at the 2025 Building and Architect of the Year Awards. WDG acted as Lead Consultant for the Construction Stage, Civil and Structural Engineer and Assigned Certifier on this brewery and distillery on a waterside site in Kinsale. Conneely Wessels were the concept Architects and MDP and Partners were interior designers for the bar and offices. Admore Structures Ltd. were the main contractor.

The original development plan included the demolition of the existing annexes to the front and side elevations of the former factory, and modernisation of existing building elevations to become the new production hall. Construction of an extension to the front of the existing building consisted of ancillary office space, retail space at first floor level with lower and upper terraces. The upgrading of the existing access included an on-site car park and all other associated site works and ancillary services. It had been intended that the main steel structure be retained, but following exposure during the demolition stage it became apparent that the existing structural steel had deteriorated beyond repair and had to be demolished in full, resulting in an extensive redesign mid-construction.

WDG was delighted to be part of this journey and we wish Blacks Brewery and Distillery every success and prosperity in their wonderful new premises.