The Irish Association of Change Ringers

125 years ringing in Ireland

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As Shown On Bellboard

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Welcome to the official website of the Irish Association of Change Ringers.

The Association was formed in 1898 and promotes the ringing of church bells for divine service throughout the island of Ireland and the study of scientific change ringing.

The Association, consisting of approximately 400 members, is affiliated to the global body of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers along with the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Europe and South Africa.

We are 37 Church towers dived into three Districts termed Northern, Eastern and Southern Districts. Click here for more information on the Districts and Towers.

If you are a member of the IACR, please use this website as a resource to advance your ringing, plan your calendar or review some of the history of the Association and the member towers.
Under the History Archive tab you will find a gallery of past events as well as a list of current Honorary Life Members, AV clips and, sadly, Obituaries.
 
If you are a visitor to Ireland (North or South) please use this site as a resource to plan your visit – all towers have their contacts details as well as EirCode/ Postcode details under the Towers tab. A short cheat sheet to help you find your way around the towers is at this link.
 
If you are interested in finding out more about our exercise, please complete the form at the bottom of this page and press the SEND button.

Latest News

Late September 2026

Updated September 23, 2026

Ronnie King Memorial Bench Dedication and Patterson Cup 

Before the Patterson Cup competition commences at 7:00 pm on Monday, 12th October 2026, a short ceremony will be held at St Donard’s, Belfast, at the front of the Tower. We will be dedicating a memorial bench in fond memory of the late Ronnie King, a deeply valued and lifelong bellringer. You are warmly invited to attend, and further details can be found on the attached invitation.

Association Ringing Festival

The Association Ringing Festival will take place in the – Eastern District – Saturday 24th October 2026 – details to be circulated.

Northern District Update

The Northern District young ringers practice on Saturday 26th September has been cancelled.

Please can you inform your respective tower members.

Association and District Practices September – December 2026

  • Southern District – Sam Maguire Community Bells, Dunmanway – Saturday 26th September 2026 – 14.00 – 16.00
  • Northern District – St Bronagh, Rostrevor – Saturday 3rd October 2026 – 14.00 – 16.30
  • Eastern District – St. Peter’s, Drogheda – Saturday 10th October2026 – 14.00 – 16.00
  • Northern District – St Donard’s, Belfast – Monday 12th October 2026 – 19.00 – 20.45 -Please find attached the Patterson Cup competition rules as discussed at the management committee meeting 26/7/2026 and as previously agreed at the AGM on 11/4/2026.
  • Association Ringing Festival – Eastern District – Saturday 24th October 2026 – details to be circulated.
  • Southern District – St Peter’s, Bandon – Fred Bogan Trophy – Saturday 24th October 2026 – 14.00 – 16.00
  • Northern District – St Mark’s Dundela – Saturday 7th November 2026 – Adamson Cup Competition and District Practice following Cup Competition – 14.00 – 16.30 –  Please find attached the Adamson Cup competition rules as discussed at the management committee meeting 26/7/2026 and as previously agreed at the AGM on 11/4/2026.
  • Eastern District – Christ Church, Taney  – Saturday 14th November 2026 – 14.00 – 16.00
  • Southern District – Cathedral of Blessed Trinity, Waterford – Saturday 28th November  – 11.00 – 13.00
  • Northern District – St Malachy, Hillsborough – Saturday 5th December 2026 – 14.00 – 16.30
  • Eastern District – Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin – Saturday 12th December 2026 – 14.00 – 16.00

Events

Check out the Events page for a list of Association & District Practices, Competitions and Festivals for 2025. Book your diary now to ensure you never miss these important events.

Learn To Ring

Would you like to Learn to Ring and expand your ringing knowledge? Click on the following link Learn to Ring and contact us for further information.

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