Cork’s iconic Shandon Bells to receive €250,000 for restoration
The Four-faced liar: The four Mangan clocks at St Anne's Church in Shandon. Picture: Larry Cummins
A total of €250,000 has been allocated to restore and refurbish one of Cork City's most iconic landmarks.
St Anne's Church in Shandon, home to the renowned four-faced clock tower and the Shandon Bells, is set to receive the largest individual share of the Government's new €700,000 Historic Structures Fund (HSF) aimed at preserving Cork's heritage.
The church's steeple has been a landmark of Cork's skyline since the late 1770s. Its clock mechanism, known affectionately as the "Four-Faced Liar" because each of its faces displays a slightly different time, was installed in 1847.
In recent years, however, Cork City councillors and local historians have raised concerns about the steeple's condition and that of the clock mechanism.
Announcing the HSF allocation, Heritage Minister Christopher O'Sullivan said the funding would go towards ensuring St Anne's and its famous clock tower are "safeguarded for future generations."
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“Shandon Bells is not just a Cork icon; it’s a symbol of our city’s history and resilience," he told the Irish Examiner.
This significant investment will help ensure that this beloved landmark continues to inspire locals and visitors alike while contributing to the cultural and economic vibrancy of the area.
The restoration of Shandon Bells comes at a time of renewed focus on the area, with Cork City Council's Shandon Integrated Urban Strategy (SIUS) aiming to rejuvenate the historic city district.
Among the heritage sites benefiting from HSF funding is St Anne's, along with four other locations across the county.
Funding of €150,000 has been approved for Alms Houses in Glanmire to support roof and window repairs, as well as rainwater goods to facilitate their reuse as residential homes and to preserve the building's historic Gothic style.
For St Laurence Cheshire Home on the Lower Glanmire Road in Lotamore, €114,400 has been allocated to facilitate essential repairs to rainwater goods and windows.
According to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the building houses Enable Ireland’s accommodation complex, which provides vital services for individuals with disabilities.
Repair works have also been planned for Kinsale Museum, located in a historic former courthouse, with €72,404 allocated for both internal and external restoration.
Similarly, Cobh's Sirius Arts Centre is set to receive €130,000 for roof repairs to previously inaccessible parts of the arts centre. The funds, the department says, will allow for the building's continued use as "a new community hub fostering creativity and community engagement."
Mr O'Sullivan said that the works funded will "secure the integrity of these sites for the enjoyment of future generations, and enhance the sustainability of local economies with great benefits for employment, tourism, and the environment".
“These projects are a testament to the close collaboration between the Department, Local Authorities, and dedicated conservation officers. Together, we are ensuring that Cork’s heritage is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.”
