Shandon Clock Tower and Bells at St. Anne's Church, Cork
Historic Shandon Clock Tower invites you to ring its famous bells and enjoy panoramic views over Cork’s vibrant cityscape.
The Shandon Clock Tower, part of St. Anne's Church in Cork, Ireland, is a historic landmark famed for its iconic bells and panoramic city views. Visitors can climb the tower, ring the famous Shandon Bells, and explore the unique four-faced clock with each face showing a different time. The tower’s golden salmon weather vane is a distinctive symbol overlooking Cork’s skyline, offering a blend of cultural heritage, interactive experience, and scenic vistas.
A brief summary to Shandon Clock Tower
- John Redmond St, Cork, Shandon, IE
- +353214505906
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in weekday afternoons for fewer crowds and a more peaceful bell-ringing experience.
- Be prepared for narrow stairways during the climb; it may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia.
- Check seasonal opening hours and possible conservation closures before your visit.
- Don’t miss the unique four-faced clock with each face showing a different time.
- Explore the church interior to see historic stained glass, ancient books, and the stone baptismal font.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Public Bus
Several local bus routes connect Cork city center to Shandon Bells, with a travel time of about 10-15 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day, but schedules may vary on weekends and holidays. Tickets cost approximately €2-€3 one way.
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Walking
From Cork city center, a walk to Shandon Bells takes approximately 15-20 minutes along paved urban streets. The route is mostly flat and suitable for most visitors, though some areas have cobblestones.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from central Cork to Shandon Bells typically takes 5-10 minutes depending on traffic, costing around €6-€10. This option is convenient for those with limited mobility or traveling with luggage.
Shandon Clock Tower 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 Clock Tower
A Historic Beacon in Cork’s Skyline
Standing proudly since 1722, the Shandon Clock Tower is an emblematic feature of Cork City’s architectural and cultural heritage. Part of St. Anne's Church, this tower has witnessed over three centuries of history, its red sandstone and white limestone walls telling stories of the city’s past. The tower’s most famous feature, the Shandon Bells, have rung through significant events and daily life in Cork, becoming a beloved symbol for locals and visitors alike.Interactive Bell-Ringing Experience
What sets the Shandon Bells apart is the rare opportunity for visitors to ring them themselves. Eight bells weighing six tonnes invite you to pull the ropes and play familiar tunes that resonate across the city. Instructional sheet music is provided, allowing even novices to participate in this joyful tradition. This hands-on experience connects you directly with the living history of Cork, creating a memorable and personal encounter with the landmark.The Quirky Four-Faced Clock
The clock on the tower is a charming oddity: each of its four faces shows a different time, a quirky detail that adds character and intrigue. This feature reflects the tower’s long history and the evolving nature of timekeeping through the centuries. Visitors can observe the inner workings of this historic clock mechanism during their climb, gaining insight into 18th-century engineering marvels.Panoramic Views Over Cork
Climbing the narrow stone steps to the top of the tower rewards you with spectacular 360-degree views of Cork City and its surroundings. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the blend of historic neighborhoods and modern developments, the winding River Lee, and the distinctive golden salmon weather vane that crowns the tower. This symbol references both early Christian iconography and local river life, enriching the tower’s cultural significance.Architectural and Cultural Richness Inside the Church
Inside St. Anne’s Church, visitors find a treasure trove of history, including a barrel-vaulted ceiling, colorful stained glass windows, and a stone baptismal font dating back to 1629. The church houses ancient books, including Bibles and texts on geometry and medicine, some as old as the 16th century. This interior richness complements the outdoor experience, offering a full immersion into Cork’s religious and cultural heritage.Visiting Details and Atmosphere
The Shandon Bells and Tower welcome visitors daily with seasonal opening hours, typically from late morning to mid-afternoon. While the climb involves narrow stairways that may challenge those with claustrophobia or mobility issues, the experience is rewarding for those who undertake it. The site is family-friendly, with opportunities for all ages to engage with the bells and enjoy the views. The atmosphere combines historic reverence with lively interaction, making it a unique cultural highlight in Cork.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Strasbourg Goose Restaurant
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The Woodford
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MrPRICE Cork City
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Fun-filled
- Historic
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly