Service Description

The Taney Bell Ringers are a group in Dundrum, Dublin that practice the traditional art of full-circle change ringing. This is a method of ringing where bells are rung by hand in a series of varying sequences under the direction of a conductor. In this form of ringing, bells are mounted on a headstock attached to a large wheel attached to a rope. When the ringer pulls the rope, this turns the wheel, causing the bell to swing and then rotate in a full circle. The bell rotates from top to bottom and back again - sounding a chime at each end of the rotation. Full circle change ringing can be traced to the early 17th century. Since then, mechanical systems have replaced most teams of ringers - Taney is one of just five steeples in Dublin that are still rung by hand. The bell tower at Taney houses a set of bells from St George's Church on Hardwicke Street. These bells were first commissioned by architect Francis Johnston for his own use in a full-size steeple he built at the end of his garden. His neighbours persuaded him to donate the bells to a church, so they were moved to St. George's in 1828. After St George's was deconsecrated in 1990, these bells were rescued and stored until their installation at Taney in 2000. For National Heritage week, we will host two sessions where we will welcome visitors to the bell tower. We'll tell you a bit about our bells, demonstrate how we do change ringing, and give you a chance to try your hand at ringing!

Contact Details

• Christ Church Taney, Taney Road, Dundrum, Dublin, Ireland

  taneybellringers@gmail.com