Cork’s most recognizable landmark, also known as Shandon Church, is famous for its giant pepper-pot steeple and eight melodious bells. Pretty much wherever you stand in the downtown area, you can see the stone tower crowned with a gilt ball and distinctive fish weathervane. The clock, added in 1847, made it the first four-faced clock tower in the world (beating London’s Big Ben by just a few years). Until fairly recently, due to a quirk of clockworks, it was known as “the four-faced liar” because each side showed a different time—except on the hour when they all somehow managed to synchronize. Disappointingly, perhaps, that charming oddity has now been repaired. Climb the 1722 belfry tower for a chance to ring the famous Shandon Bells. (Be warned though: It’s 132 steps up to the belfry, and the gap narrows to a claustrophobic half-meter—that’s just over 1 1/2 feet—near the entrance to the belfry.) If you continue on the somewhat precarious climb past the bells, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.
Cork City
Travel Guide
Cork City› Attraction
St. Anne's Church
Church St., Shandon, Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland
Our Rating
Hours
June–Sept Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 11:30am–4:30pm. March–May and Oct Mon–Sat 10am–4pm, Sun 11:30am–4pm. Nov–Feb Mon–Sat 11am–3pm, Sun 11:30am–3pm. Public holiday hours same as Sun. Last entry to tower 20 min. before closing
Phone
021/450-5906
Prices
Free admission. Clock tower €5 adults; €4 seniors and students; €3 children; €12 families
Web site
St. Anne's Church
![1 star(s) 1 star rating](/assets/rating/fromm-rating-1star.png)
Map
Church St., Shandon, Cork, Co. Cork Ireland Cork CityNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.