Bells and Bell Ringing
Bells have been part of Saint Patrick's Cathedral for a long time. Their first mention was in 1244, and we know that in 1362 there was a fire in Dublin and the steeple and the North East corner of the Cathedral were destroyed, and so were the bells. The Minot Tower which still stands today was built as a replacement for the steeple. It was built in 1370 and subsequently several bells were installed.
In 1443, the Dean and Chapter put a large bell in the Tower and in 1670 a peal of 8 bells was installed. In 1897 the ring was replaced by a ring of 10 bells as a gift from Lord Iveagh. They were cast by Taylor's of Loughborough. In 1909, the ring was increased to 12 bells and in 1925 the ring was increased to 14 bells. With the addition of a new bell in 2009, this brings the total to 15.
Bell ringing is a tradional skill and for many, a contribution to church life. It is sociable and you make friends from many walks of life, locally and globally. It is suitable for all over the age of twelve and is practised in many countries, including the British Isles, Australia, Canada and the United States of America. Bell ringing can be mastered by most people. With training and practice the learner can move on to ringing with the rest of the band (team). Bell ringers meet for weekly practice, and also meet to ring before Sunday services, as a traditional call to worship. They also meet to ring for other important occasions. They take day trips to towers in Ireland and to ring in a number of towers as part of a few days' tour at home or abroad.
Change ringing originated in the sixteenth century when church bells began to be hung with a full wheel. This gave ringers control of the bell allowing sets of bells (rings) to be rung in a continuously changing pattern - hence, change ringing. Bells are hung to create a musical scale. A method is a pre-defined sequence of changes within the musical scale.
At Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Ringers meet for weekly practice on Tuesday evenings at 18.30-19.30. Ringing times are Sundays 10.30 and 14.30. If you wish to find out more about change ringing, or learn to ring, please contact: bellringing@stpatrickscathedral.ie or telephone 086 300 8252.
Please view our leaflet.
Learn more about the history of the building on our Interactive Timeline.
