Shandon Bells
Shandon Bells and Tower, properly the tower of St Anne's Church on the north side of Cork city, is one of the city's most recognisable landmarks, known locally for its unusual four-sided design faced in two different building stones — red sandstone on two sides, white limestone on the other two — giving rise to the local saying that Cork people are like the tower, "partly white and partly red," a joke about the city's mixed loyalties in old football rivalries. Built in the 1720s, the tower is topped by a large gilded salmon weathervane rather than a conventional weathercock, and it houses eight bells dating from 1750 that visitors can actually ring themselves — a rare hands-on experience among Ireland's historic bell towers, with sheet music provided for a handful of simple tunes. The climb up the tower's narrow stairs rewards visitors with panoramic views over Cork city and the surrounding hills, making it one of the best vantage points in the city for photographs, and the modest admission fee makes it an easy, distinctive addition to a day exploring Cork's northside.
Shandon Bells FAQs
Yes, this is one of the tower's distinctive features — visitors can ring the eight bells themselves, with sheet music provided for a few simple tunes.
The tower has narrow stairs and multiple levels to climb, so it requires reasonable mobility, but it's manageable for most visitors and the views from the top are worth it.
It was built using red sandstone on two faces and white limestone on the other two, reportedly because that's what was available at the time, and it's since become a beloved local quirk.
A large gilded salmon, unusual for a church tower, reflecting the historic importance of the salmon fishery on the River Lee.
Yes, a modest admission fee is generally charged to climb the tower and ring the bells; check current pricing.
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