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Church · Cork, Cork
St Anne's Church, Shandon
Church dating from 1722 on the Shandon hill, with a tower with two red sides and two white sides, a four-faced clock and eight bells that visitors can ring.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About St Anne's Church, Shandon
The church of St Anne is in the Shandon district, on the hill north of the River Lee, and was built between 1722 and 1726. The tower, about 36 metres tall, is Cork's symbol: two sides are red sandstone and two are white limestone, the colours of the city and the county team. At the top, a salmon-shaped weather vane turns over the town.
The clock, from 1847, has four faces, and locals nicknamed it "the four-faced liar" because, due to the wind on the hands, the faces used to show slightly different times. The tower's eight bells date from 1750 and became known through the 19th-century song "The Bells of Shandon."
The visit climbs the tower stairs in stages. On the first floor visitors can ring the bells by pulling numbered ropes, following simple music sheets of well-known tunes, and hear the sound from inside the tower. Higher up you pass the clock mechanism and reach the balcony, with 360-degree views over Cork, the river and the surrounding hills.
The church belongs to the Igreja da Irlanda and remains in use. Around it, the Shandon neighbourhood has streets of old houses, the circular building of the former butter market — which in the 19th century was the largest in the world — and cafés. The ascent is by narrow, steep stairs; there is no lift.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to 1 hour, including the climb of the tower and the bell ringing.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon on clear days for the view from the top. The tower is closed during some service times; check ahead. In winter opening hours are reduced.
How to get there
It is on Church Street in the Shandon neighbourhood, north of the River Lee, about a 10-minute walk from the centre, with an uphill approach. Cross the river via Christy Ring Bridge or North Gate Bridge.
Tip
Ring the bells and then climb up to the high balcony, from where you can see all of Cork. Use ear protection if you are noise-sensitive: the bells are loud inside the tower. On exit, pass by the circular building of the former butter market next door.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about St Anne's Church, Shandon
Can you ring the Shandon bells?
Yes. On the first floor of the tower, visitors can ring the eight bells by pulling the numbered ropes, following simple sheet music.
Why does the tower have two colors?
Two sides are red sandstone and two are white limestone. They are the colors of Cork, also used by the county team.
Is the climb difficult?
They are narrow, steep staircases in stages, with no lift. It is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.