Current Opening Hours (Mon-Sat: 10:00-16:00, Last Entry 15:30)
Sunday Worship Service - 10:15am
Current Opening Hours (Mon-Sat: 10:00-16:00, Last Entry 15:30)
Sunday Worship Service - 10:15am
Church Street, Shandon, Cork City, T23 YN88,
Location map
St. Anne’s Church is a member of the Church of Ireland which belongs to the world wide Anglican (Episcopal) Communion. We are one of 24 parishes in the United Diocese of Cork Cloyne and Ross.
St. Anne’s is the oldest church still in continuous use in Cork City with weekly church services and an active worshipping congregation since 1722! St. Anne’s has been described as “the most important ecclesiastical structure of any period, within the 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.).
The historic church and tower, with its famous Bells of Shandon, offer an interesting and memorable experience for young and old alike! We invite you to join us in worship or come by for a self-guided tour. See the beauty and history of one of Cork’s most iconic landmarks!
St Anne’s Church is a historic church with a worshiping congregation for over 300 years in the heart of Cork City. When you come to visit the church some of the things you can do include playing the famous Shandon Bells, seeing the inner workings of the four faced liar clock, and climbing the tower to see the 360 degree views of Cork.
St Anne’s Church offers a variety of services and events throughout the year, catering to both spiritual and community needs. The church hosts special events to mark significant occasions in the Christian calendar, such as Christmas, Easter, Pentecost and Harvest Festival.
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Mon28 , Oct 2024
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Sun27 , Oct 2024
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
The experience of Shandon Tower & Bells is truly unique and memorable. After you have rung the historic Shandon Bells on the first floor, you climb the stone staircase of the Tower, and feel the anticipation building with each step. Upon reaching the top of the Tower, you're greeted by the magnificent view of Cork City.
Very fun and out of the ordinary church visit. Climbing up the small stairs, getting to ring the bells myself (and actually being able to play a tune, thanks to the instructions which are hung up) and having a beautiful view over Cork once you get to the top. In the church below there is a LGBT flag…
One of the must-see places in Cork with its famous bell tower that stands out on the Cork skyline. The distinctive golden fish weather vane helps you to navigate towards the church on foot. The bell tower contains the famous Shandon Bells of Cork and the entrance fee allows you to climb the bell tower, passing right by the bells to an outer viewing platform. Because you have to pass the bells at the top of the tower you are provided with ear defenders at the entrance. The climb is a bit tricky and awkward in places but at seventy two I managed without mishap, although climbing and descending requires a deal of give and take between those in the tower! But once you have made the climb the view from the top brings a great reward and provides a 360 degree vista of the City.
This Church and tower is an interesting experience from several perspectives. You climb stairs to the level of the bell pulls where you can pull the ropes to play different tunes that ring out over the city. After you ring the bells, a unique opportunity, you get to climb the stairs of the tower. The climb includes passing through the level of the bell mechanism and is topped by an expansive view of the City of Cork. The view of the city enables you to appreciate the historic and economic significance of the city as you look over the old and new neighborhoods. You also get to spend time in the wonderful historic church itself. The experience brings new meaning and life to the wonderful Irish song and poem The Bells of Shandon by Francis Sylvester Mahony
For a small fee, ring familiar tune on the bells, check out old clock mechanism and view Cork the way birds do. Don’t miss ancient books on display inside some as old as 16th century, Bibles and geometry and medicine books, worth seeing. Make sure to schedule the visit before 3pm though. They also have lovely souvenirs of St Anne’s, you won’t find in souvenir shops.
