Historic Charm of St. Anne's Church Shandon
St. Anne’s Church is one of the oldest operational churches in Cork City, hosting regular weekly services. The church and its tower provide a captivating experience that combines the beauty of historic architecture with the enchantment of stained glass windows and ancient texts.
From the top of the Bell Tower, the view is breathtaking. Ascending the winding staircase is not just a physical challenge but a journey through the layers of time, leading to a rewarding panorama of Cork City spread out below. This vantage point offers one of the best opportunities for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
The highlight for many is the chance to engage with the Shandon Bells. This hands-on experience includes a detailed demonstration of the bells’ historical and musical significance, allowing visitors to actually ring the bells themselves, creating a resonant connection with Cork’s rich heritage.
Visitors leave St. Anne’s Church enriched and inspired, having touched a piece of living history and experienced one of the most unique cultural landmarks in Ireland.
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Current Hours of OperationOpen All Year Round!
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Admission Fees for the TowerBuy in advance online.
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Directions to Reach Our Location
Easily Accessible from Anywhere
Current Hours of Operation Open All Year Round!
Open All Year Round!
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March – May:
Monday – Saturday
10.00-16.00
Sunday
12.00-16.00
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June – September:
Monday – Saturday
10.00-16.30
Sunday
12.00-16.30
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October:
Monday – Saturday
10.00-16.00
Sunday
12.00-16.00
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November – February:
Monday – Saturday
10.00-15.00
Sunday
12.00-15.00
Bank Holiday Opening: Same as Sunday hours
Please Note: Last entrance to the Tower is 30 minutes before closing time
Tickets
Admission Fees for the Tower Buy in advance online.
Buy in advance online.
Ticket Price For Tower
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Adults:
Over 18 years of age
€6.00
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Seniors:
Over 65 years of age
€5.00
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Students:
Anyone holding a valid student card and over 16 yrs
€5.00
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Children:
Five to fifteen years of age, under fives go up for free
€3.00
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Family:
Based on two adults and up to four children under 16 yrs
€15.00
Payment Methods: Cash and Card accepted
Tickets
Directions to Reach Our Location Easily Accessible from Anywhere
Easily Accessible from Anywhere
Address: Eason’s Hill, Shandon, Cork City, T23 YN88, Ireland
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By Foot
Easiest is to walk from the city centre which takes 5-10 mins from Patrick Street.
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By Bus
The 215, 202 and 208 city bus have stops nearby. We are one of the stops on the open top Cork City Tour bus.
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By Car
There is limited on street paid parking nearby. You can pay by phone or get a disc from Centra on Shandon Street. There is fee paying car park available at St. Mary’s North Cathedral, within 2 minutes walk from us.
Guide to Group Bookings
Group size over 12 persons must be pre booked as we have a small number limit in the Tower.
No large group bookings Saturdays and Sundays all year round. Please contact us for Group Rates and details.
Key Safety Tips Before Your Climb
Important Health and Safety Information for Climbers
- There are 132 steps and the tower narrows to half a meter near the belfry. The climb will not be suitable for visitors who have mobility, heart or shortness of breath on exertion (SOBOE) issues. It is also not suitable for people who have claustrophobia or dislike of narrow spaces.
- Visitors with crutches, walking sticks, inappropriate footwear and large backpacks will not be allowed to climb.
- No babies, even in carriers, or children under the age of 2 are allowed past the first floor.
- We ask visitors to remember St Anne’s is an active Church and to respect that, so no use of mobile phones in the Church itself.
- No food or drinks allowed in the Church and Tower.
- Bells can be played at any time during opening hours. But we ask you respect the residents of the area and not play excessively or really badly!
- Photography is permitted (without flash) within the church except during services.
- We have a visitor limit of 24 pax in the Tower at one time so please be prepared to wait to climb.
Please Note:
- Opening hours and access to tower may change depending on weather conditions and if the Church is in use for a religious service. Please check this website and our social media posts before you visit.
- No toilet facilities on site
- In peak times be prepared to wait to climb as we have a limit on numbers
Unforgettable experiences not to miss in Cork...
While Cork is often affectionately called “the real capital” by locals, despite being Ireland’s second city, it truly is an ideal spot to discover the best of what Ireland has to offer. If you’re eager to explore Ireland’s rich heritage and vibrant culture, Cork should definitely be on your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question or comment that is not listed below, feel free to email
info@shandonbells.ie for more information.
Pre-booking is not essential for individuals and families, but we do have a limited number of tickets available for specific time slots if you wish to pre book them online. This guarantees you entry at that time and means you don’t have to queue if the Tower is busy.
Groups of 12 or more people must pre-book, especially if you want to avail of our group rate terms. Email info@shandonbells.ie for more information.
Yes, we currently are offering a limited number of tickets for timed slots if you prebook your tickets online. There are always walk in tickets available but you may have to queue at busier times and at weekends.
Yes, you can actually ring the real Church bells! It’s a very unique experience. Visitors have been coming to ring the Bells of Shandon for many years, as back as the late 1800’s. They are on a fixed bell system so it’s very easy to play them-just follow the numbers and pull the ropes. We love to share the experience of ringing the Church Bells with the public as they have been a part of the soundtrack of the city for decades. But to respect the tradition of being able to ring the Shandon Bells and for the conservation of the bell structure, we do ask you to be mindful when playing the bells.
We do have access for wheelchair users to the Church Interior from St Anne’s Park side. Please ask a member of staff to help as we have to open a door for you. Unfortunately there is no lift or access for wheel chair users to the Tower. For others with mobility issues, the 132 steps of the Tower do get very tricky and narrow after the Third floor and are not recommended. Please do ask us if you have any other needs or queries.
No, unfortunately we do not have public toilets available.
Please email info@shandonbells.ie for any queries re hire or events.
Suitable footwear is necessary as some of the steps are narrow. Flip flops and high/wedge heels are not allowed. As the climb gets very narrow and low large backpacks are not allowed. Also we want you to have your hands free to climb safely so any shopping bags or coats can be handed to the staff to mind if you wish. This is at your discretion.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome in the Church Interior and to the first floor of the Tower. Unfortunately the climb is too difficult and the bells too loud to allow them up any further than that. We do have a dog onsite here most days called Molly so if you are travelling with your dog and would like to see the Church, do come in and ask if you can visit.
Yes, all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The Tower climb is not suitable for children under 4. Entry for children under 4 to the Tower is at the discretion of management.
No, we do not accept those cards.
Yes, photography for private use is permitted in the Church and Tower. Photography is NOT permitted during church services.
Please email info@shandonbells.ie if you wish to look for permission for filming for commercial or artistic projects.
Yes, visitors are very welcome to attend our weekly Sunday service at 10:15am.
Church Service is at 10:15am every Sunday.
The Tower narrows to less than half a metre as you ascend into the Belfry and it is also one way. That means you may have to wait for people to pass. So if you are uncomfortable with narrow spaces it may not be suitable for you. We don’t want anyone to have a stressful visit so that’s why we want you to be informed so you can decide if it’s for you or not.
Testimonials
See What People Are Saying About Us
Fun attraction in a church
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…
A Cork Icon!
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.
Unexpected gem and truly interesting experience worth seeking out.
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
Defo worth visiting!
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.