St Anne's Church, Shandon Receives €30,000 Grant for Historic Door Restoration

St Anne's Church, Shandon has been awarded a €30,000 grant through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) to restore its original front doors, which are believed to date back over 300 years.

The doors represent an iconic feature of the historic building, serving as the welcoming entry point for worshippers, visitors and the local community. Their restoration is a crucial step in preserving the church's heritage while ensuring it remains an inviting space for all.

Rev. Meghan Farr, Priest in Charge at St Anne's, said:

"The doors of St Anne's Shandon have stood as a symbol of welcome and openness for over three centuries. They are not just a physical gateway but a reflection of our mission to embrace all who come through them. This restoration ensures that we can continue to extend that welcome for generations to come."

The restoration is part of a series of works identified in last year's Conservation Management Plan, which was funded by the Community Monument Fund. The plan outlined key preservation and conservation needs to ensure the longevity of this beloved landmark.

The church extends its thanks to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Cork City Council for their support through the BHIS grant.

Additionally, St Anne's has recently secured €130,000 from the Community Monument Fund to support Phase 1 works identified in the Conservation Management Plan. These works include essential repairs to the timber and metal structures supporting the bells, which have begun to show signs of deterioration.

These efforts will complement urgent repairs to the clock face and mechanism being carried out by Cork City Council, supported by a €250,000 grant awarded under the Historic Structures Fund, as part of a broader commitment to revitalising the Shandon area.

The Select Vestry of St Anne's remains deeply committed to the conservation of this historic church, with additional restoration and preservation works planned in the coming months and years, guided by the Conservation Management Plan.

Work on the doors is expected to commence this week. The restoration process will involve removing the west door entirely and transporting it to a joiner workshop for repair before refitting. The doors, likely built of oak with substantial iron hinges, brackets, fixing bolts and lockcase, are thought to date from the early 19th or even late 18th century.

Temporary secure weatherproof screen doors will be installed while the original doors are being restored, allowing the church to remain open to visitors whenever it is safe to do so.