Journey Through Time with Educational Tours
Welcome to our Learning Landing Page, where history comes to life through our tailored educational tours. Designed specifically for school groups and history enthusiasts, our tours offer a dynamic way to experience the past. From the cobblestone streets that echo with history to the silent witnesses of ancient buildings our tours connect educational content with the thrill of real-world discovery, making each journey a unique educational adventure.
Dive deeper into history with tours that not only educate but inspire. Our experienced guides bring each site to life with stories and insights, providing context that enhances understanding and appreciation of historical events. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of historical figures or analyzing architectural marvels our tours are crafted to provoke curiosity and foster a deeper connection with the past. Join us to explore the layers of history and enrich your knowledge in a fun and inspiring way.
Enquire About Group TourThe History of St Anne’s Shandon
St. Anne's Shandon has a rich history spanning over three centuries. Notable events include its construction in 1722, the installation of iconic stained glass windows, community partnerships, and the restoration of its historic tower and bells. The church continues to evolve, embracing inclusivity and environmental stewardship.
1722
Rapid population growth in Shandon, Cork, led to the construction of the Church of St Anne Shandon in February 1722 as a chapel-of-ease to St Mary’s Shandon.
1726
John Carthy’s new map of Cork shows Shandon Church completed.
1750
The Tower was added to the church to accommodate the 8 bells.
1752
The bells were first rung at the marriage of Mr Henry Harding (later to become Mayor of Cork) to Miss Catherine Dorman.
1772
St Anne’s gained full parochial status and the Reverend Arthur Hyde was appointed full rector.
1834
The Reverend Francis S. Mahony, known better as Father Prout, penned the famous poem ‘The Bells of Shandon’.
1847
The clock was erected on the Tower of St Anne’s
1882
The parable of the Good Samaritan stained glass window erected.
1883
The east window The Transfiguration of Our Lord was erected.
1886
The upper gallery and side galleries were removed.
1908
The bells were sent to Loughborough to be recast.
1937
‘St Luke’ Healing” window erected in memory of Dr Philip Lee.
1952
Bicentenary Service of the first ringing of the Shandon bells.
1962
Restoration work on the tower
1972
Celebration of the 250th anniversary of St. Anne’s. Preacher: The Most Reverend George Simms, Archbishop of Armagh.
1975
St Anne's Shandon appeared on 6 penny stamp as part of the European Architectural Heritage Year issue
2003
Closure of St. Luke’s Church, Cork. St. Anne’s Church became the principal Church of Ireland parish church on the north side of Cork City
2004
Restoration of tower and weather vane: ‘the Goldie Fish’
2006
The Church of Ireland gifted the grounds to the City Councilfor use as an amenity space in memory of Dr. Mary Hearn, known for her generosity in medical care of the poor, regardless of religious denomination.
2008
St. Anne’s signs up to be part of ‘Inclusive Church’
2009
A Service of Remembrance for members of the LGBT community and an LGBT Carol Service were held for the first time.
2011
Dr. Mary Hearn Park was opened
2015
Ministry at St. Anne’s, Shandon is formally partnered with the chaplaincy at St. Luke’s Care Home, Cork
2018
An Eco-Congregation group was established at St. Anne’s
2022
Celebration of the Tercentenary—300th anniversary of St. Anne’s.
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Learning Tour Opportunities
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Genealogy
We know there is a great interest in genealogical research and learning about the history of one’s family especially in Ireland. Historical parish registers give important genealogical information including details of baptisms, marriages and burials within parishes. Although some church records, both Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic, were lost in the Four Courts fire of 1922, many registers had been retained in the individual parishes at that time and therefore survived.
Most of these records for the Church of Ireland are now housed in the library of the Representative Church Body (RCB) in Dublin. If you are conducting research on family members who attended St. Anne’s Church Shandon we do not have records for baptisms before 1998 and marriages before 1957. For anything earlier, along with all burials please contact the RCB library (link below). In addition, all records for St. Luke’s Church, St. Luke’s Cross and St. Mary’s Church, Shanakiel (both previously part of St. Anne’s union of Parishes) would be housed at the RCB.