Dublin’s Liberties bells are ringing again after more than two decades of silence, marking the revival of a long-standing tradition at St Augustine and St John’s Church on Thomas Street. The return of regular bell ringing has brought a distinctive sound back to Dublin 8 and renewed interest in the historic craft of campanology.
Dublin’s Liberties bells return to regular use
The bells at the church, widely known as John’s Lane, had continued to sound occasionally for funerals and major religious occasions. However, routine ringing stopped in the 1990s after several bell ringers died and there were not enough people available to continue the practice.
The recent revival was led by Michael Ryan, who first became interested in bell ringing while serving as an altar boy at the church more than 50 years ago. A restoration project, supported by the church’s prior, Fr Pat Gayer, allowed Ryan and other experienced ringers to clean and prepare the belfry for use again.
Residents surprised by practice peals
The first practice sessions caused some concern among local residents. Hearing the bells ring after such a long period of silence, some people entered the church believing that the structure might be unsafe and that the bells were in danger of falling.
Instead, the practice peals marked the successful return of the bells. A team of seven ringers later climbed the church’s steep spiral staircase before Sunday morning Mass to rehearse the sequences used in change ringing.
- The bells are located at St Augustine and St John’s Church on Thomas Street in Dublin 8.
- Routine ringing had been absent for more than 20 years.
- The revival project was led by veteran bell ringer Michael Ryan.
- The bells will support worship and help promote interest in campanology.
Why the bell-ringing revival matters
The project is more than a repair effort. It has restored a visible and audible part of the Liberties’ heritage while reconnecting the church with a tradition that once formed part of everyday life in Dublin.
John’s Lane was built in the 1860s and has Dublin’s tallest spire. Its position and scale have long made it an important landmark in the city centre. The belfry is reached by a narrow, winding staircase that passes the church’s stained-glass features before reaching the ringing chamber.
For Ryan, the bells also represent cooperation across religious communities. Bell ringers regularly move between Catholic and Protestant churches, and he said religious affiliation is not a requirement for anyone interested in learning the skill.
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How change ringing works
Change ringing is based on carefully arranged sequences rather than traditional musical performance. Each bell is assigned a number, and ringers follow patterns that determine when the individual bells sound.
Ringers use a specialist guide containing the sequences required for different methods. Ryan describes these patterns as “tunes”, although the process depends on concentration, timing and coordination rather than conventional musical training.
The bells are tuned differently, which creates the musical quality heard from the ground. The people operating them must also work as a team, listening closely and making precise movements to maintain the sequence.
Who can learn bell ringing?
The revival team hopes the renewed activity will encourage more people to try campanology. According to Ryan, newcomers do not need to read music or have previous experience.
- Bell ringing does not require formal musical training.
- It involves teamwork, concentration and repeated practice.
- The activity provides gentle physical exercise.
- Participants can take part regardless of their religious background.
- Training usually begins with basic handling and timing before more complex sequences are introduced.
A new chapter for a historic Dublin church
The return of the bells gives St John’s Lane another way to connect with its surrounding community. Their sound can signal worship, celebrate important occasions and remind residents of the church’s place in the history of the Liberties.
It also shows how local heritage can be preserved through participation. The belfry had fallen quiet partly because there were too few people to maintain the tradition. By bringing experienced ringers together and inviting new participants, the project aims to make sure the bells do not become silent again.
What happens next?
The immediate priority is to continue regular practice and build a larger pool of ringers. The team also wants to raise awareness of the opportunity among people who may never have considered bell ringing.
For Dublin residents and visitors, the project offers a chance to experience a historic sound returning to one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. The bells’ future will depend not only on the condition of the equipment but also on whether enough people choose to learn the craft.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Dublin’s Liberties bells located?
They are located at St Augustine and St John’s Church, commonly known as John’s Lane, on Thomas Street in Dublin 8.
How long had the bells been silent?
The bells had not been used for routine prayer services for more than 20 years, although they were heard occasionally for funerals and major church events.
Do bell ringers need to be religious?
No. The revival project welcomes people regardless of religious affiliation. Bell ringers may practise in both Catholic and Protestant churches.
Do you need to be musical to learn?
No. The practice is based on numbered sequences, timing and teamwork. Beginners learn to perform simple movements accurately before progressing to more advanced methods.
Conclusion
The return of Dublin’s Liberties bells is a small but meaningful piece of Ireland News: it restores a historic tradition, strengthens community links and gives Dublin 8 a sound that had been missing for a generation. The revival led by Michael Ryan also offers a practical lesson in heritage preservation—traditions survive when people are willing to learn, practise and pass them on.
