What it is
St Anne's was built in 1722 and its red sandstone and white limestone tower, topped by a golden salmon weathervane, is the symbol of Cork. The eight bells were immortalised in the song “The Bells of Shandon”; on the first floor you can play tunes on them with numbered ropes, then climb 132 steps past the clock mechanism to the balcony.
The clock was known as “the four-faced liar” because its faces used to show slightly different times.
Getting there by bus
Shandon is on the hill north of the River Lee, about ten minutes' walk from Patrick Street across the Christy Ring or Opera House bridges. Buses along Pope's Quay and Roman Street stop a few minutes below the church (Roman Street stop).
The Butter Museum and the old Butter Exchange are in the square beside the church.
