In this special issue, it is a delight to 'celebrate the architectural creativity flourishing within and from the island of Ireland. There is so much talent and vision, but somehow it can be tricky to put your finger on what exactly makes it all so special. Perhaps that’s where its design strength lies', writes AJ Editor Emily Booth in her leader.

We feature four studies; ESB headquarters, Dublin by Grafton Architects and O’Mahony Pike Architects, Hackett Architects’ calm and welcoming childcare facility, The Woolstore, in Caledon, County Tyrone, The Writing Room in Monkstown by Clancy Moore Architects and Mullarkey Pedersen’s rich retrofit of Woodlock Hall Library at Dublin City University’s All Hallows Campus.

News In Pictures features a first look at Metropolitan Workshop’s new take on the Dublin terrace, O’Donnell + Tuomey's proposal for a cultural hub in Fingal and the new public library in Bettystown, County Meathon, designed by Robin Lee Architecture.

PLUS: Emmett Scanlon provides a critical overview of the state of architecture in Ireland today, Smith Mordak casts a discerning eye over whole life carbon assessments and Rupert Bickersteth talks to Irish architect Noreile Breen about the importance of plants while David Grandorge takes a trip to New York + AJ Sketchbook by Jane Larmour, letters, competitions and Louis Hellman's monthly cartoon.