Press release
St Audoen’s Church bells ring in 600 years of history, heralding the hours in Dublin’s inner city
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Published on
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St Audoen’s Church and the Office of Public Works (OPW) are delighted to celebrate the 600th anniversary of three of its bells located in the church’s 15th-century bell tower.
To mark this special occasion, St Audoen’s Society of Bellringers will be ringing the bells on Saturday, 26 August at 2pm.
Nestled in the heart of the walled medieval part of Dublin, St Audoen’s Church was originally founded in 1190 and is the only remaining medieval parish church in the capital still in use. The Office of Public Works who help preserve and maintain the site also welcome visitors to this historic location where our team of guides give insight into the chequered history of the church, the tower and the celebrated bells.
Patrick O’Donovan, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, said:
“These bells have tolled in witness to history for six centuries, as this part of the city went through periods of significant cultural and economic change. As custodians of such important historical artefacts, we are delighted to recognise and honour this rich piece of our heritage, and to ring the bells in celebration on 26 August.
"These bells, along with three others from the 18th and 19th century, have been an integral part of Dublin life for centuries, sounding the hours and calling the inhabitants of the inner city to prayer. They have stood guard and watch over the ever-changing landscape of this developing city, providing a memorable soundtrack to our historic moments, calling out our celebrations and tolling sadly in empathy with our grief."
Bearing gothic inscriptions, one bell is stamped 1423 and includes an inscription ‘Anno Domini 1423: The Bell of the Holy Trinity and all Saints’, while the two other of similar construction are dedicated to St Audoen and to Mary, the Blessed Virgin.
To mark this historic important occasion, St Audoen’s Society of Bellringers, formed in May of this year, will perform a bell ringing session of peals to echo across the city. The Society consists of 15 members from a variety of backgrounds, all with an enduring interest in Campanology. These bells have been rung on Sunday mornings and at other events over the years by bell ringers from Dublin’s two cathedrals, St Patrick’s and Christ Church, and other neighbouring churches. The last time St Audoen’s had its own dedicated bell ringing society was back in 1898.
Robert MacDonald, Ringing Master, St Audoen’s said:
“It is an enormous privilege to be able to ring bells that were cast 600 years ago and to be part of the continuing story of bellringing in Dublin.”
For further information, please contact pressoffice@opw.ie or if you would like to request an interview with a spokesperson.
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St Audoen’s Society of Bellringers will perform a ringing on Saturday, 26 August at 2pm, followed by a service at 4.30pm in the Church.
The Visitor Centre managed by the OPW is open to visitors daily, between 09:30 and 17:30, until 5 November 2023.
St Audoen’s Church was crucial to the life of the medieval city. Here papal bulls were pronounced and public penances carried out. It is dedicated to the seventh-century bishop of Rouen and patron saint of Normandy, whose feast day is 24 August.
Visitors to St Audoen’s can examine the part of the church still in use by the Church of Ireland. Further details available on St Audoens Church.