Could you explain a little more about using a 555 to trigger pulses
You set it up as a monostable. ie it gets a pulse the produces a longer pulse.
would that switch itself not need de-bouncing
No because the 555 output will stay active until X time after the last pulse.
I can't remember the circuit (haven't used a 555 for about 20 years) but search for "555 monostable" on Google.
If I understand things correctly, is it only the clock pin that needs de-bouncing
Correct. All the data will be stable by the time you press the clock button.
Rob