Ennis is the Capital town of County Clare. It is a picturesque and historic market town whose origins date back to the 13th century when the Kings of Thomond invited the Franciscans to establish a settlement. Eight hundred years later, the narrow and historic lanes and bow ways give character to the town while monuments, buildings and waterways showcase its rich heritage.
Sights to see and experiences include Glór theatre, the Courthouse and the Ennis Walking Tour, taking in the 13th century Ennis Friary and other heritage sites throughout the town. At Clare Museum, you will hear the history of the County over 6,000 years using authentic artefacts, colourful text panels and audio-visual presentations.
Ennis is famous for Irish Music, and Irish music can often be heard when one takes a walk through Ennis’s cobbled streets and lanes, which is the subject of the world-renowned ‘Siege of Ennis’ polka. In addition, many pubs and bars host regular and engaging trad sessions. Ennis is also home to its annual Trad Festival and is widely known as the traditional music capital of Ireland.
Long renowned as a centre of excellence for shopping, the winner of the ‘Ireland’s Friendliest Town’ and ‘Ireland’s Tidiest Town’ is home to beautiful boutiques providing locally produced crafts and an extensive range of covetable fashion labels perched along its cobbled streets and busy thoroughfares.
Ennis is a gateway town on the Shannon Estuary Way, a spectacular and unspoiled loop drive around Ireland’s deepest watercourse. The 207km-long loop winds its way across changing landscapes and river vistas in counties Clare, Limerick and Kerry.
Outdoor enthusiasts have a selection of walking trails to choose from in the town and surrounding areas. John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road, is set in 134 acres of rich, biodiverse woodland and parkland. Located just one kilometre from the town centre, the park features a variety of marked looped walks and woodland trails. Information boards in the car park give details of flora and fauna in the area, while an Active Trail features outdoor equipment that incorporates exercise activities for all abilities. Walkers and cyclists can also enjoy a 5km loop walk between the Quin Road and the 12th century Clare Abbey known as the River Fergus Walk, and both Ballyalla Lake and Ballybeg Woods are wonderful places for all the family to enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Designed by noted golf architect Dr Arthur Spring, Woodstock Golf and Country Club features one of Clare’s most scenic courses as it is surrounded by several natural lakes, a river and a mature wooded area. The Par 70 parkland course at Ennis Golf Club is set over relatively even terrain and is ideal for the holiday and society golfer. Sporting enthusiasts can also enjoy Gaelic Games at Cusack Park, where Clare’s hurling and football teams can be seen playing during the spring and summer months.
There is plenty to do on a rainy day in Ennis. Active Ennis Leisure Complex features a 25m swimming pool, kiddies swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, saunas and steam rooms. The Planet Entertainment Centre offers ten-pin bowling, laser tag, soft play, astroturf pitches, video games, and snooker and pool tables.
With a wide selection of quality accommodation options, the Clare County Capital is a perfect base from which you can launch your Clare holiday experience, as its central location means it is within easy reach of the County’s top attractions and hidden gems.
You can see some of the highlights of Ennis and nearby here.
You can also visit the local Ennis tourism website here at www.Ennis.ie
Experience the Flexibility of DigiClare Hubs: Empowering Remote Working in County Clare.
Ennis is home to one of the eleven DigiClare centres. DigiClare Hubs offer visitors the opportunity to work flexibly and remotely within vibrant communities across County Clare. With a range of amenities such as individual hot desks, high-speed broadband, co-working spaces, private work units, meeting rooms, and more, our hubs provide a fresh, dynamic, and secure environment to suit your diverse working needs. See www.visitclare.ie/digiclare
