Shandon Bells & Tower at St Anne's Church, Cork
Climb the iconic Shandon Bells Tower in Cork to ring historic bells and enjoy breathtaking 360° views of the city’s vibrant northside.
Shandon Bells & Tower, part of St Anne's Church in Cork, is a historic 18th-century landmark renowned for its distinctive red sandstone and white limestone exterior and the iconic golden fish weather vane. Visitors can climb the 50-meter tower to ring the famous bells and enjoy panoramic views of Cork city, making it a unique cultural and architectural experience in Ireland.
A brief summary to Shandon Bells & Tower St Anne's Church
- Church St, Cork, Shandon, IE
- +353214505906
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11:30 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a narrow, steep climb to the top of the tower.
- Use the provided sheet music to play tunes on the bells for a unique interactive experience.
- Bring a camera to capture panoramic views from the tower’s viewing platform.
- Visit during weekdays or early hours to avoid waiting due to visitor limits in the tower.
- Check for any conservation-related closures or changes in opening hours before your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take Cork City bus routes 202 or 205 from the city center, with a travel time of approximately 15-20 minutes. Buses run frequently but check schedules for weekend and holiday variations. A single fare costs about €2.50.
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Walking
From Cork city center, a 20-30 minute walk through the historic streets leads to Shandon Bells. The route is urban and mostly flat but includes some cobbled sections; suitable for most walkers.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from Cork city center takes around 10 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares in the range of €8-€12. Taxis are widely available but may be limited during peak hours.
Shandon Bells & Tower St Anne's Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Shandon Bells & Tower St Anne's Church
A Historic Beacon of Cork’s Northside
St Anne's Church, commonly known as Shandon Bells & Tower, stands as one of Cork’s most iconic landmarks since its construction in 1722. The tower rises approximately 50 meters above the Shandon neighborhood, its walls built from red sandstone and white limestone sourced from local historic sites, including the old Shandon Castle and the Franciscan Abbey. This distinctive dual-colour facade inspired the local rhyme: "Parti-coloured like its people, Red and white stands Shandon Steeple." Crowned by a gilded golden fish weather vane nearly four meters long, the tower symbolizes both the Christian heritage and the once-thriving salmon industry of the nearby River Lee.The Bells and Their Musical Heritage
The Shandon Bells are central to the church’s allure, offering visitors a rare opportunity to ring the eight bells themselves. These bells weigh a total of six tonnes and produce a resonant sound that echoes across Cork city. Sheet music is provided for visitors wishing to play familiar tunes, making the experience interactive and memorable. The bell chamber is accessible via a climb through narrow, winding stone steps, which also pass by the inner workings of the four-faced clock known locally as the 'liar clock' due to its occasionally inaccurate time.Panoramic Views and Architectural Features
At the summit of the climb, visitors are rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic vista of Cork city and its surroundings, providing a bird’s-eye view that captures the city’s layout, the River Lee, and beyond. The church interior features a barrel-vaulted ceiling, colourful stained glass windows, and a stone baptismal font dating back to 1629. Inside, visitors can also explore ancient books, including Bibles and texts on geometry and medicine, some as old as the 16th century, enriching the cultural depth of the visit.Visitor Experience and Practicalities
The tower visit is a physically engaging experience, requiring agility to navigate the narrow stairs and wooden steps near the top. Ear defenders are provided due to the loudness of the bells when rung. The church maintains a visitor limit of 24 people in the tower at a time, so some waiting may be necessary during peak periods. Photography without flash is permitted inside the church, except during services. The church remains an active place of worship with Sunday services at 10:15 am, welcoming visitors to join.Conservation and Community Significance
Shandon Bells & Tower is not only a tourist attraction but also a cherished community symbol, reflecting Cork’s history and identity. Conservation efforts are ongoing to preserve the structure, with occasional partial closures for maintenance. The church’s location in the historic Shandon district links it closely to the cultural heritage of Cork’s northside, embodying traditions and stories that resonate with locals and visitors alike.Accessibility and Amenities
While the church and tower are centrally located and accessible, the climb to the top is not suitable for all visitors due to the narrow and steep steps. There are no restroom facilities on site, and food and drink are not allowed inside the church or tower. Nearby amenities in Cork city provide additional conveniences for visitors exploring the area.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
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- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
