Scaffolding removed as Cork City gets sight of restored Shandon clock tower

The Shandon Bells clock, which was installed in 1847, was historically known for not showing the same time on the four faces

The scaffolding around Shandon tower comes down as Cork City gets its first glimpse of the gilded new clock faces. Picture: Chani Anderson

Scaffolding around Cork's Shandon tower has been removed following a major restoration project on the iconic piece of the city's skyline.

The €590,000 restoration of the famous St Anne’s Church at Shandon is almost complete, with the Lord Mayor hailing the progress as "a great day for the city".

The scaffolding was carefully designed for the church tower to allow for access to the four clock faces as well as localised external repair to the stonework. 

The project involved refurbishment work to the church's clock, its bells supports, and its original 300-year-old front door.

Some €250,000 was given to the city council from the Government under the Historic Structures fund last year, and was further supplemented by €340,000. 

The clock, which was installed in 1847, is famously known locally as "the four-faced liar" as the four faces of the clock did not show exactly the same time.

The council said that the clock is now working and all four faces of the clock have been restored, including the repainting and gilding of the clock numerals and the reintroduction of the minute markers — an element which has been missing since the 1960s.

Shandon’s famous quirk of the four faces of the clock showing slightly different times has also been maintained, with the four faces only showing the same time on the hour.

The stone work of the tower has also been cleaned, using a hot steam system and the work also saw the removal of vegetation and staining. 

Restoration being carried out on the clock face. 

Part of the refurbishment includes the reinstatement of missing timber panels, and the conservation and restoration of the iron strap hinges by the local Leeside Forge using iron recovered from the Morrison’s Island Quays fender.

The restoration works on the doors have also been completed and will be reinstated following the removal of the scaffolding. 

Lord Mayor of Cork City, Fergal Dennehy, welcomed the progress and praised everyone involved with the project. 

“Shandon, with its iconic red-and-white façade, its clock faces and famous bells, is one of Cork’s most beloved landmarks,” he said.

“It is part of the very cultural and social fabric of the city itself, it is woven into the story of us, it is a symbol of the city, it is part of us.

“This restoration reminds us of the significance of Shandon to us all.

“Behind this achievement stands an exceptional community of experts and craftspeople whose dedication has brought new life to this iconic building.