Co. Clare - Ennis Chamber

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What to Do in Ennis & its Environs
Heritage & History
Ennis Friary
The Ennis Friary is a Franciscan Friary founded
by the O’Brien Kings of Thomond, in
the 13th century. The site was originally on
an island in the River Fergus around which
the modern town of Ennis has grown.. The
well-preserved ruins consist of a nave,
chancel, belfry and an arcaded cloister.
Opening Times: May - September - 09:30 - 18:30
Ennis Cathedral
Built between 1828 and 1842, following the repeal of the penal laws,
the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul is certainly worth a visit. Situated at
the end of O’Connell Street.
Riverwalk Sculpture Trail
The meandering River Fergus runs through
the middle of Ennis, and is a well-known
trout and salmon fishery. At one time
small sailing boats made their way up-river
from the Shannon and berthed in the
centre of the town at Woodquay. A recent
riverside development is a pleasant
walk, along which some superb pieces of
sculpture have been erected.
Craggaunowen 061 360788
Craggaunowen tells the story of the arrival of the Celts in Ireland. A
major feature of the visit is a Crannóg, which is a reconstructed Iron
Age lake-dwelling. The site also includes a Ring Fort, beautiful woodland
walks and a quaint tea-room. It is located near the village of Quin
and is clearly sign-posted from the village.
Opening Times: April - October - 10:00 - 18:00 | May - August - 09:00 - 18:00
Knappogue Castle 061 360788
A short drive from Ennis, set in the rolling
hills of Clare. Beautiful Victorian and
Walled Gardens surround the Castle,
where one can relax or enjoy a peaceful
stroll. Medieval Banquets are held in the
castle twice nightly from April - October.
Opening Times: April - October - 09:30 - 17:30
Quin Abbey
Quin hosts the best preserved Abbey of the Mid-West Region. Founded
in 1433, it housed generations of Franciscan monks until 1820, with the
death of the last monk, Father Hogan.
Clare Museum 065-682 3382
Clare Museum is located in a beautifully restored former convent in the
very centre of the town. The exhibition “The Riches of Clare” blends a more
traditional method of displaying local artefacts with modern multi-media
interpretive tools. Opening times: Oct-May: Tues - Sat: 09.30-13.00 & 14.00-17.30
Jun-Sept: Daily: 09.30-17.30
Biddy Early Brewery Inagh 065 683 6742
Ireland’s first micro-brewery. Audio-visual presentation, tour of working
brewery plus tasting the product. Bar and Restaurant on premises.
Rural Walks
Ballyalla Lake
A wildlife preserve and tranquil lakeside walking
area. 4km from Ennis, off the Gort Road.
One of the best lakes in Europe for watching
wildfowl. About 5,000 wildfowl and waders
use the site over the winter.
Art Galleries
Dromore Woods
Established as a nature reserve because of the diversity
and richness of its flora and fauna. Situated
in the southeastern extremity of the Burren , a short
drive from Ennis. Comprises mixed woodland on
limestone interspersed with an array of lakes and
turloughs. A variety of walks of various duration and
difficulty run through the site. Hidden in the woods,
you will find the 17th century O’Brien Castle, standing
on a lakeside, together with the sites.
Ennis Art Gallery Francis St 065 689 2760
Exhibits contemporary Irish art, an interesting mix of local and national
artists.
Glór Causeway Link 065 684 3103
Regular exhibitions of works of art from national and international artists
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