Shandon Bells & Tower 4.64

Visit St Anne’s Church and Tower and ring the 18th Century Bells and climb the 132 steps of the iconic Tower. See the mechanism of the famous clocks –the four faced liar- and experience a 360 degree view of Cork city and beyond. Then visit the beautiful St Anne’s church for some respite.
St. Anne’s has been described as, “the most important ecclesiastical structure of any period, within the city of Cork and its immediate environs, it is also one of the most important early 18th century churches in Ireland and one of a small number which still retains their original 18th century bells” - (2001 Architectural & Archaeological Appraisal – Colin Rynne for Southgate & Assoc.).

Built in 1722 as a chapel of ease to the former St. Mary’s Church Shandon, which was originally situated on this site, but moved to Shandon Street in 1693, overlooking the North gate bridge after it was destroyed in the Siege of Cork in 1690.

The Tower forms a striking landmark, visible from many parts of the city, with its red sandstone (North & East) and white ashlar limestone (South & West). It is believed that the colours of the tower gave rise to the sporting colours of Cork.

The steps of the tower are built into the 7 feet thick walls and climb up past the clocks, through the belfry to the balcony 40 metres above the ground. The tower was raised in height in 1750 to accommodate the eight bells.

The bells were cast by Abel Rudhall of Gloucester in 1750, and have been recast twice since in 1869 & 1908. They still bear their original inscriptions, including the following:

‘When us you ring we’ll sweetly sing’

‘Since generosity has opened our mouths our tongues shall sing aloud its praise’

The bells weigh over 6 tonnes altogether.

The Clock was erected by Cork Corporation in 1847, and given the name ‘the four faced liar’ by local wits who noticed that the four clocks were not always in agreement of the exact time. The machinery of the clocks weigh 2 tonnes and the clock faces are 14 feet in diameter. The maker of the clock was James Mangan, who had a clock shop on St. Patricks St. until the 1980s when Merchants Quay Shopping Centre was constructed. This was the first four-faced clock, until the construction of Big Ben in London.

The fish shaped weather vane known also as ‘de goldie fish’, is over four meters long and painted in gold leaf. It symbolises the salmon fishing industry, which was very important to Cork and also the sign of a fish is very appropriate on a church as the fish is an early Christian symbol for the name of the Lord.
Entry fees apply to visit the Tower and bells. Entrance to the Church is free and we ask all visitors to respect its status as a place of worship for its local congregation.
Bells can be played at any time during opening hours, this is a self-guided tour. However if you are booking in with large groups we will try to accommodate you with a guide.


RATES:

Adults: €5.00

Seniors: €4.00 (over 65 years of age)

Students: €4.00 (anyone holding a valid student card and over 16yrs)

Children: €2.50 ( five to fifteen years of age, under fives go up for free)

Family: €12.00 (based on two adults and up to four children under 16yrs)
For Group rates contact us on 021 4505906 or info@shandonbells.ie
Photography is permitted (without flash) within the church except during services.
Under 18s are to be accompanied by an adult

Opening Hours: Last Entrance to the tower is 30 minutes before closing
Monday of Bank Holidays - opening times same as Sundays

June July August September

Monday – Saturday 10.00am-5.00pm. Sunday 11.30am-4.30pm

March April May October

Monday – Saturday 10.00am-4.00pm. Sunday 11.30am-4:00pm

November December January February

Monday – Saturday 11.00am-3.00pm.
Sunday 11.30am-3.00pm