Visit Ennis

CYMK GRADIENT

fr Visit Ennis is a Promote Ennis initiative which is a collaboration of Ennis Chamber, Ennis Town Council, Shannon Development and local businesses.

The Promote Ennis Committee members are:

Chairman: Brian O’Neill | Rowan Tree Hostel & Rowan Tree Café Bar Treasurer: Mary Gleeson | Old Ground Hotel Ger Dollard | Ennis Town Council Leonard Cleary | Ennis Town Council Councillor Johnny Flynn | Ennis Town Council & Flynn’s pharmacy Paul Madden | Temple Gate Hotel Mike Dennehy | Knox’s Pub & Bistro

Ennis Tourist Office Arthur’s Row, Ennis, Co. Clare. t 065 682 8366 International dialling codes To call any number in this brochure internationally dial 00 + 353 and omit (0)

www.visitennis.com e info@visitennis.com

Siobhan King | Shannon Development Finbar Brougham | Shannon Development Rita McInerney | Ennis Chamber Margaret Neylon | Ennis Chamber The listings and advertisements in this brochure have been paid for by the individual businesses and as chairman of Promote Ennis I would like to thank them for supporting this initative. When you are visiting our beautiful town I would like you to consider this when making your decision on where to stay, where to eat, what to do or where to shop.

Brian O’Neill

Main Photography © Mike Mulcaire www.mphotographx.com

Pantone 1585 EC

Print: Realprint 065 684 4545 Design: Edel Butler

CYMK GRADIENT

www.visitennis.com

ee

Welcome I am delighted as Mayor of Ennis to have this opportunity to welcome all visitors to our town.

Ennis, a heritage town is the home of traditional Irish music, dance, friendly people, quality accommodation and hospitality.

As a heritage town, Ennis has its own character and uniqueness with its narrow streets, laneways and bustling shopping areas and considerable choice of quality boutique shops.

While you are in Ennis, please take the opportunity to meet the people of our town and discover the many interesting and lively places of entertainment in the local pubs, hotels and Glór Music Theatre.

Discover the many heritage, sculpture and walking trails in Ennis and County Clare, along with a wide range of water based activities available at the many Blue Flag Beaches around the county. All are within a relatively short distance from Ennis and offer a unique visitor experience.

I hope that your stay in Ennis will be an enjoyable one and I encourage you to return again to our town where you can always be assured of a warm welcome.

On behalf of Ennis Chamber of Commerce and Ennis business community I would like to welcome you to our beautiful town and county.

There are many unique family owned shops, boutiques and restaurants, try to take time out to explore the narrow streets and laneways. If you are interested in history or wish to work on your family tree the De Valera Library and Ennis Local Studies facility can be valuable sources of information. I hope you enjoy your stay in Ennis.

Michele Madden, President Ennis Chamber of Commerce

Cllr Peter Considine, Mayor of Ennis.

“It’s the place to stay if you want a bit of urban flair; from Ennis, you can reach any part of Clare in under two hours. The town’s strengths are its food, lodging and traditional entertainment.”

Lonely Planet

Contents Ennis - Ireland’s Friendliest Town, is the first town in Ireland accredited with the international Purple Flag award – the evening excellence award. Joining an elite of 30 towns and cities in the UK and Ireland holding this prestigious award.

Ennis centres itself around its charming traditional streets with local shops and boutiques and its closeness to the river Fergus with adjacent bars and cafés.

Offering award-winning food and dining venues and an outstanding variety of pubs and bars with musical entertainment from traditional to modern for all ages.

Ennis is Ireland’s Friendliest town and awarded Tidiest Town for the last decade with residents enthusiastic about their town, its cleanliness and its visitors. An ideal place to be based when visiting the West of Ireland with its own attractions outlined on its innovative Ennis App. Located near Shannon Airport, Ennis has been highlighted as a role model for other centres and was voted in Failte Ireland’s top 10 tourist towns.

01

History

04

Transportation/Getting Here

06

Where to Stay

08

What to Do

12

What to See

16

Where to Shop

18

Map of Ennis

22

Health & Beauty

22

Local Services

23

Top Tips

24

Cafés

26

Evening Entertainment

30

Day Trips from Ennis

32

Annual Events

History of Ennis The town takes its name from “Inis”, meaning an island which was formed between two streams of the River Fergus. The history of Ennis is intimately linked with that of the O’Brien family, descendants of Brian Boru.

“What I have come to enjoy through several holidays to Ennis is not only the charm of an old world town with narrow streets and historic Abbeys and squares, but the bustle of a modern community.”

Bobby Collins

Ennis is also associated with some of the great political leaders of the past. 1828 marked the return to parliament of Daniel O’Connell, who, by being elected M.P. for Clare forced the passing of the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829.

Former President Charleston Chamber of Commerce,

Ennis, with its narrow streets and lanes, represents a pleasant blend of the historic past and the active present.

“Most Courteous City”

Major Historical Event In the summer of 1828 Ennis was host to an event that was hugely significant in history - the world’s first democratic, peaceful, revolution.

The Catholic Association put forward Daniel O’Connell to contest the Clare Election of 1828 as a means of challenging the rule where Catholics were not allowed to hold a seat in Parliament. The landlords wanted their tenants to vote for the other (their)

Clare’s landscapes and musical traditions have been shaped over centuries of life’s events – come and experience both.

Martin Hayes

candidate but the Catholic clergy ‘persuaded’ their congregation to vote for the Catholic. Voters marched to Ennis from all around the county. They cast their votes in the Old Courthouse (where the O’Connell Monument now stands).

Marshalled by the Catholic Association not a single incident, of violence or drunkenness, was reported. Daniel was proclaimed elected on the 5th of July 1828 and history was made.

“I have a long association with Ennis. My father worked in the Old Ground Hotel in the 1960s, I have many fond memories of Ennis and Kilkee where I spent many summers.”

Bobby Kerr Dragon’s Den Entrepreneur

visit ennis 1

Initiatives Ennis 2020 “Working with the people of Ennis to shape their future’ www.ennis2020.ie The people of Ennis and its surrounding areas can give ideas on how to make Ennis a better community for everyone in the future.

Working in line with the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) to help Ennis reach its full potential.

Create the Magic

Accolades Ireland’s Information Age Town

Top 60 Public Spaces

In 1997 Ennis was named Ireland’s first ‘Information Age Town’. This meant it was chosen to pioneer the introduction and popularisation of Information Technology in Ireland and was the largest community project of its kind in the world.

www.pps.org The Project for Public Spaces named O’Connell Street, Ennis, amongst “60 of the World’s Great Places” defined as “places we remember most vividly, the places where serendipitous things happen, the places we tell stories”.

Tidy Towns / Entente Florale

The well-cared-for street has everything from pubs and music halls to department stores and chemists, making it relevant day and night, for all ages and interests.

Ennis Tidy Towns is a voluntary grouping and has been in operation for over 30 years. It aims to encourage people to work together to make the most of their local environment and encourage community development. Success was first achieved in 1997 by winning a Silver Medal in European Entente Florale. From 1997 on Ennis won national, regional and county awards and since 2001 has achieved Gold Medal status annually. In 2002 Gold Medal Status was achieved in the European Entente Florale. 2005 was again a highlight when Ennis won the overall All Ireland Tidiest Town Award. Since then Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre National has been achieved almost every year.

2 visit ennis

Lonely Planet (10th Edition 2012) “As the capital of a renowned music county, Ennis is bursting at the seams with pubs featuring live sessions almost every night of the week. In fact “it’s one of the best reasons to stay here” says the Lonely Planet’s guide to Ireland.”

Create the Magic was launched in March 2011. It is intended to bring positive energy, pride and success into the community and enable Ennis to be the first out of recession and to be considered the friendliest town in Ireland.

The Gathering 2013 Initiative www.thegatheringireland.com Ennis is looking forward to hosting events for The Gathering 2013 which is a year-long series of celebratory events to showcase all that is great about Ireland – the natural beauty, culture, history and entrepreneurial spirit.

Some of these cultural, sport and heritage events will be new while others will be familiar. But they’ll be better than ever in 2013!

Twinnings l Lagenfeld, Germany Ennis has developed a strong friendship with Lagenfeld, Germany with a view to establishing a formal twinning relationship in the future.

l Phoenix, Arizona Ennis formally twinned with Phoenix, Arizona, since 1988.

The twinning was as a direct result of Ennis Chamber of Commerce and Ennis Town Council representatives who visited Phoenix as part of a trade delegation. Initially, contacts were established by Clare people living in Phoenix.

Since 1991, many cultural/educational exchanges have taken place with over 100 students participating in the annual Youth Ambassador.

l

St. Paul de Fenouillet Ennis is twinned with Saint Paul de Fenouillet, which is located in the Languedoc Roussillon region in the South of France, since 1989.

Saint-Paul de Fenouillet is situated within an hour’s drive of the Pyrenees Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The town is proud of its famous vineyards and its two rivers running along the chain of the Southern Corbières leading to the famous Cathar castles.

In 2005, to highlight the twinning of the two towns, the courtyard between the Temple Gate Hotel and the Clare Museum in Ennis was named the “Place de St. Paul de Fenouillet”.

visit ennis 3

Getting Here & Around

Taxi Depart

KM

Miles

Travel Time

Burren Taxis

Belfast M1/M18 Cork N20/M18 Dublin M7/M18 Galway N6/N18 Rosslare M7 Shannon M18 Knock Kerry Farranfore

404

251

3hr:56m

Fergus Row 065 682 3456 Ennis’s largest taxi service, open 7 days / 24 hours. Leading the way in Clare for reliability, confidentiality & traceability for customers.

Book your taxi through Burren Taxis and get a punctual private response, quality car and professional driver.

134

83

2hr:0m

237

147

2hr:30m

68

42

0hr:40m

243

151

3hr:0m

25

15

0hr:20m

124

77

1hr:50m

130

80

1hr:52m

By Rail Iarnrod Eireann

Private Operators Scenic Ireland Tours You can arrive here by train, bus, coach, plane and car Ennis is accessible from all major urban centres. Access from the Motorway at Exits 11, 12, 13 & 14. A warm welcome awaits you.

SAT NAV Co-ordinates 52.91491 Latitude, 9.09495 Longitude

Martin +353 86 2730500 Trevor +353 86 8133636 scenicirelandtours@gmail. com www.ScenicIrelandTours. com “Private Chauffeured Tours, Airport Transfers & Pick-ups, Golfing Trips and other Sport and Recreational Outings ranging from Half Days to as many as your itinerary can allow.” *see advert for more details.

Castle Executive Coaches Cahercalla Road 065 684 3299 info@castleexecutivecoaches.ie www.castleexecutivecoaches.ie

Specialising in luxury chauffeur driven coaches, driver tour guides, golf tours and corporate coach hire. Catering for all group sizes to and from anywhere in Ireland.

DVD entertainment/ fridge onboard.

4 visit ennis

Glynn’s Coaches Knockaderry, Tulla Road 065 6828234 info@.glynnscoaches.com www.glynnscoaches.com Providers of luxury transportation for sightseeing tours, airport transfers and corporate hire. Based in Ennis for over 30 years, let Glynn’s bring you on your tour of Clare and Ireland’s West.

Barratt Tours

Unit 7, Annacotty Business Park, Annacotty, Co. Limerick 061 384 700 info@4tours.biz www.4tours.biz Offering the highest standards of personal service, using high spec touring coaches and qualified driver/ guides to offer the best possible experience of Ireland - check out reviews at Trip Advisor.

Ennis can be reached by rail services from Limerick, Cork, Dublin, Belfast, Galway and all major urban centres.

By Air Shannon Airport

Shannon 061 712 000 comments@shannonairport.ie www.shannonairport.ie Shannon Airport is only 20 minutes drive from Ennis. The airport is excellently served by a wide range of airports from the UK, Continental Europe and the US.

For further information see www.irishrail.ie

Ennis Railway Station 065 6840444 or lo call 1850 366222 Ennis – Limerick 9 scheduled services Mon – Sat, 9 on Sun Ennis – Galway 5 scheduled services Mon – Sat, 4 on Sun Ennis – Dublin 9 scheduled services Mon – Sat, 10 on Sun Ennis – Cork 7 scheduled services Mon – Sat, 9 on Sun Ennis – Belfast 6 scheduled services Mon – Sat, 4 on Sun

By Bus Bus Eireann Regular buses serve Ennis from Shannon Airport, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Dublin.

065 682 4177 www.buseireann.ie

Summer Scheduled Flights 2013 Alicante Birmingham Boston Chicago Edinburgh Faro Glasgow Lanzarote Liverpool London Gatwick London Heathrow London Stansted Malaga Manchester Nantes New York (JFK) New York (EWR) Palma Philadelphia Tenerife Toronto Wroclaw

Ryanair Aer Lingus Aer Lingus United Aer Lingus Aer Lingus Flybe Ryanair Ryanair Ryanair Aer Lingus Ryanair Ryanair Aer Lingus Ryanair Aer Lingus United Ryanair US Airways Ryanair Air Transat Ryanair

Please check www.shannonairport.ie for full details of scheduled/charter flights and updates.

Follow us. www.facebook.com/Shannon.Airport.Official https://twitter.com/shannon_airport

5

Where to Stay

Ennis offers a superb range of accommodation options, which you can use as a base to explore the town and its environs as well as the many attractions of Co. Clare.

Check out www.visitennis.com to find out more...

Hotels

Hotels Temple Gate Hotel

Old Ground Hotel

The Square, Ennis 065 682 3300 info@templegatehotel.com www.templegatehotel.com

O’Connell Street 065 682 8127 www.flynnhotels.com

Temple Gate is a family owned and managed hotel located in the centre of Ennis town. Dine in the AA Rosette award winning Legends Restaurant or in the traditionally themed pub Preachers’ where an aclaimed bar food menu is served throughout the day until late each evening.

This elegant 4* property, 18th century manor house with deluxe rooms and superior suites is located in the centre of the town. Superb food available in the Brendan O’Regan Room, Town Hall and Poet’s Corner Bar where traditional music features.

*see advert for more details.

West County Hotel Clare Road 065 6869600 info@westcountyhotel.com www.westcountyhotel.com

Contemporary and relaxed, the West County Hotel is the ideal base to explore the gems of Ennis and County Clare including Bunratty Castle, the Ailwee Caves and the world famous Cliffs of Moher, The West County Hotel is part of the Treacy Hotel Group with sister hotels in Waterford and Enniscorthy.

Auburn Lodge Hotel Galway Road 065 682 1247 stay@irishcourthotels.com www.irishcourthotels.com Situated on the outskirts of Ennis, Auburn Lodge Hotel provides 108 ensuite bedrooms along with full leisure facilities and also has four beauty treatment rooms. Enjoy excellent homemade cuisine in both the Restaurant and Bar. Wedding, Banquet & Conference facilities available along with Landscaped Gardens. WIFI throughout the entire Hotel.

6 visit ennis

Hostel

Queens Hotel & Nightclub Abbey Street 065 682 8963

Rowan Tree Hostel Harmony Row 065 686 8687 info@rowantreehostel.ie www.rowantreehostel.ie Quality, budget accommodation in a fully restored 18th century Georgian building and new extension with brand new facilities.

Double, twin, family and multi bedded rooms, many with private ensuite. Voted Ireland’s best Hostel 2009, 2010 & 2011.

Free wifi. *see advert for more details.

queenshotelennis@gmail.com

www.queenshotelennis.com

45 bedroomed historic hotel located beside Ennis Abbey in the heart of Ennis town. Visit the state of the art nightclub with top DJ’s and Cocktail Bar.

B&B / Guesthouse

*see advert for more details.

Campervan & Motorhome Hire Vanderlust Unit 62 Doora Industrial Estate, Ennis 065 689 2805 info@vanderlust.com www.vanderlust.com Vanderlust offers campervan and Motorhome rental in Ireland. A fleet of 2, 4 berth and 6 berth motorhomes are sure to meet all your needs. “Stay where life takes you”

Westbrook Guesthouse Gort Road, 065 6840173 westbrook.ennis@eircom.net www.westbrookhouse.net Westbrook House is a threestar guesthouse 1 Km from the town centre, all beautifully appointed rooms en-suite with free Wi-Fi and guest parking.

visit ennis 7

Sculpture Trail

What to Do

Ennis Walking Tours 087 648 3714 info@enniswalkingtours.com www.enniswalkingtours.com Experience a journey through time on these entertaining guided walking tours. The experienced local guide leads you through the atmospheric winding streets and “bow-ways” of the town, while revealing the intriguing characters and stories that shaped its history.

Hear about the mythology and legends of the town –from banshees to Biddy Early (the magical lady of Clare who was tried for witchcraft in Ennis).

Hear tales of murders and hangings, famine and poverty, rebellions and riots and discover how the most powerful men from Irelands past – amongst them Daniel O’Connell, Eamon de Valera and Charles Stewart Parnell were closely linked to the town.

Praised by Lonely Planet as the best way to appreciate the town.

Show up tours run May to Sep leaving from the Ennis Touris Office at 11:00am every day except Wed and Sun. Group and private bookings available year round.

Haunted History Tours and Gourmet Walking Tours also available on request.

River Walk Enjoy a walk along the River Fergus, which runs through the middle of Ennis. Latest attractions are the wonderful sculptures dotted along the way.

www.ennistidytowns.com/ sculptures-map The Ennis Sculpture Trail has numerous sculptures along the riverside in Ennis, as well as creating street furniture in the town centre. The sculpture trail takes many forms depicting cultural, historical and sporting events as well as more abstract pieces. *see sculpture icon on map for various locations

Historical Trails Ennis distinguishes itself among the historical towns of Ireland in that, unusually, it is neither a walled medieval town nor is it a planned town. Most of the present buildings of Ennis’s core date from the 18th and 19th century, but these are overlaid onto a medieval plan, one that you walk on the Historical Trail.

The Historical Trail will lead you through the winding alleys and cobbled streets of Ennis, glimpsing remnants of medieval Ennis, from the 14th century Cloister to the triple diamond Jacobean stone chimney stack.

The Historical Trail takes you not only to the Franciscan Friary, founded in the 13th century by the descendents of Brian Boru, but also to the essences of the people of Ennis. See the most dominant landmark in the urban landscape that marks Ennis’ prevalence in the political sphere of Ireland - the monument to Daniel O’Connell. This trail has something to offer to all interests and to all age groups.

The sites that are highlighted on the Historical Trail are as rich and varied as Ennis itself.

www.shannonregiontrails.ie Whatever type of trail you enjoy, from a leisurely stroll in County Clare to the action packed mountain biking trails, activity holidays in Ireland’s Shannon Region offer the opportunity to experience stunning landscapes, uncrowded golden beaches, picturesque river valleys, lakes and woodlands, and a captivating culture.

Ballyalla Ballyalla Lake is a good sized lake located on the River Fergus just a short drive from Ennis. A park is present with picnic facilities and car park. Ballyalla Lake is also home to Ballyalla Castle which is now in ruins but has historical connections with a siege in 1642.

Doonbeg Golf Club Doonbeg 065 905 5601 www.doonbeggolfclub.com The world renowned, Greg Norman designed links course opened in 2002 and is listed in the “Top 100 Course in the World by Golf Magazine”. The speed and direction of the wind cause consistent variation in play.

Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club Newmarket-on-Fergus 061 368 444 golf@dromoland.ie www.dromoland.ie The par 72 18 hole J.B. Carr/Ron Kirby designed championship parkland course sweeps through 410 acres of shady woodland and the magnificence of the 16th Century baronial Castle presiding over the estate. Dromoland challenges at every opportunity.

Ennis Golf Club Showgrounds Road 065 682 4074 info@ennisgolfclub.com www. ennisgolfclub.com Ennis has tree-lined fairways and tight greens and represents a considerable challenge, while its relatively even terrain of 5,706 meters makes it an ideal terrain for the holiday and society golfer.

Town Lanes Ennis has a handful of central town lanes that lace together a nineteenth-century cathedral, a stout monument to Daniel O’Connell and a medieval friary.

These narrow streets and lanes represent a pleasant blend of the historic past and the active present.

Pitch & Putt Cill na Mona Pitch & Putt Kilnamona, Ennis 065 682 0903 / 086 819 2644 lindacommane@hotmail.com A unique and challenging 18-hole course, set in a beautiful and relaxing location. 5 minute drive from Claureen Roundabout on N85 Ennistymon Lahinch road.

*see route on map

8 visit ennis

Golf Courses

Shannon Region Trails

suitable for families

Lahinch Golf Club Liscannor Road, Lahinch, Co. Clare 065 708 1003 info@lahinchgolf.com www.lahinchgolf.com The Old Course is a classic links course set amongst the famous dunes with subtle contoured greens in true MacKenzie style.

The Castle Course presents golfers with a slightly less formidable, though equally interesting challenge.

Woodstock Golf & Country Club Shanaway Road 065 682 9463 proshopwoodstock@eircom.net www.woodstockgolfclub.com Woodstock is an 18 Hole Parkland course, situated outside Ennis on the Lahinch road, the course is built on 155 acres of land, and the feature holes are 7th & 8th where water comes into play. The friendly atmosphere is welcoming to all visitors and members alike.

no entrance charge

visit ennis 9

What to Do Bowling Clare Leisure World Showgrounds Road 065 686 6777 eoin@leisureworld.ie www.leisureworld.ie This impressive Entertainment Centre includes Tumble Towers Adventure Soft Play area, Ten Pin Bowling, Quasar 2000 (Lazer Tag), Pool & Snooker tables, Video Pursuits, Astro pitches and refreshment facilities for the whole family.

Eco Farm Imecofarm Islandmagrath, Clarecastle 065 684 1552 / 087 400 0393 info@imecofarm.com www.imecofarm.com

Fun train ride, pony rides, pedal carts, bouncy castle and treasure hunts. Nature trails and scavenger hunts. Farm animals, pigs, lambs, horses and hens.

Displays on wind, hydro, solar, rain water and more. Great family day out.

Equestrian Drumcliffe Equestrian Ennis 065 6820272 / 087 7788162 info@drumcliffeequestrian.ie www.drumcliffeequestrian.ie Just two minutes drive outside Ennis on our farm. We offer Horse Riding for all levels and beginners. Trekking, Cross Country, Riding Lessons, Parties and Trails. We have full indoor and outdoor arenas. All ponies and horses are well trained.

Qualified and Friendly Staff.

10 visit ennis

Kids Club

Library

Barney’s Kidz Club

De Valera Public Library

Gort Road Business Park 065-6821477 barneyskidzclub@gmail.com

Fantastic fun and great exercise for kids in a clean safe environment.

Perfect for parties and for parents to meet up.

Genealogy Local Studies Centre/ The Local Studies Centre, County Library Service 065 684 6271 Situated close to the De Valera Public Library, this has proven a very useful resource for the many people who use it including local historians involved in all kinds of research, students from all educational levels, individuals tracing family trees and compilers of parish, sporting and community publications.

Language Centre Clare Language Centre College Road 065 684 1681 www.clarelc.ie Why not take an English course while staying in Ennis? Courses in small groups for adults, teenagers and families. *see advert for more details.

Harmony Row 065 684 6353 www.clarelibrary.ie As well as other services, the De Valera Library hosts a small museum which contains mementos from Irish history including a 1782 Irish Volunteer Flag and Land Banners. Other exhibits are a door from a ship called The Spanish Armada and a pen used

by Neville Chamberlain and Eamonn de Valera to sign the 1938 Agreement allowing Ireland regain ports held by Britain.

17 Internet points are available for public use.

Pottery Classes Ballymorris Pottery Cratloe 061 357118 hannah@ballymorrispottery.ie www.ballymorrispottery.ie Fun “hands on” Clay Parties and Events at Ballymorris Pottery for all ages: families, friends, colleagues and kids. Make and decorate your own piece. Groups of 4 and up are all welcome. Please book.

Tim Smyth Park & Playgrounds The Fair Green Children’s Playground The playground facility is designed to provide universally accessible, imaginative and interactive play. The 0-12 years area has a variety of equipment including swings, a parrot see saw, a spring rocker, roundabout, and a huge play odyssey tower. >

Teen Play Area A rope net climbing structure, Cable runway, Drop Shot and a Trim Trail are just some of the facilities.

Adult Exercise Area Exercise for all abilities. Wet pour safety surfacing in a variety of colours and shapes, incorporating the use of play elements.

Free of charge.

Lee’s Road Lees Road Sports & Amenity Park Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park is just 1km from the town centre and is set on 134 acres of wood and parkland. Changing rooms and showers are provided in the main building. Ample car parking.

There are 4 conventional playing pitches, full size all-weather floodlit playing pitch, floodlit 400m synthetic running track and a purpose built crosscountry running track. There is a children’s playground and skateboard park together with marked walks and trails through the woodland.

Swimming Ennis Leisure Complex 065 682 1604 Ennis Leisure Complex offers good value with a state of the art gym, 25m swimming pool, kiddies pool, two sauna/steam rooms, free parking, knowledgeable staff all in a central location at Highfield Road, Ennis.

visit ennis 11

Art Galleries

What to See

Ennis Abbey (Old Ennis Friary) Abbey Street 065 682 9100

Built between 1828 and 1842, following the repeal of the penal laws, the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul is certainly worth a visit.

Clare Museum Arthur’s Row 065 682 3382 www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/claremuseum

Admission is free to Clare Museum which is located off O’Connell Square. It has over 400 artefacts of Clare origin on loan from The National Museum of Ireland together with other collections gathered locally. Original works of art, enthralling audio-visual and interactive experiences and dramatic images all combine to provide an exciting glimpse into the history and heritage of Ennis and County Clare.

Clare Museum Arthur’s Row 065 682 3382

The Riches of Clare - its people, places, treasures - occupies two galleries of the Clare Museum. The displays have been designed to have a wide visitor appeal and comprise a large loan of artifacts of Clare provenance from the National Museum of Ireland, the de Valera Museum collection, and artifacts collected locally. Free to enter for 2013. image © Ros Kavanagh

The Friary was founded in 1240

by Donncadh Cairbreach O’Brien, King of Thomond. The site was an island in the river Fergus. Originally the church had a plain nave and chancel. During the 15th Century a south transept and a central tower were added. The nave was used by the Church of Ireland as the parish church from the late 17th century until 1871. Free to enter for 2013.

St. Peter & Paul Cathedral O’Connell Street 065 682 4043 www.ennisparish.com/2009/04/cathedral

Glór Gallery Causeway Link, Ennis 065 684 3103 info@glor.ie www.glor.ie

glór is home to a great gallery space that holds excellent visual art exhibitions. Exhibitions have been extremely successful, not to mention awardwinning.

Ennis Friary

The new friary church was officially opened on 11 June 1892.

The friary is the Novitiate house for the Irish and British Provinces of the Franciscans. It is here among the people of Ennis that the future generation of Franciscans is being formed.

“We are proud of our deep connection with the history of Ennis and we strive to continue to serve the people of our Parish and surrounding areas.”

12 visit ennis

image © John Kelly Photography

Francis Street www.ennisparish. com/2009/04/franciscan-friary

McParland’s House Parnell Street

McParland’s House, is long understood to have been the oldest inhabited house in the Clare County capital. The building’s triple diamond Jacobean stone chimney has been an icon of medieval Ennis for centuries. Archaeologists have discovered an oak frame structure which they have described as “potentially one of the most exciting urban archaeological discoveries in Ireland in recent years”.

suitable for families

no entrance charge

Rowan Tree Café Bar Harmony Row 065 686 8669

Rotating work from Clare Artists displayed in relaxed surroundings. This 18th century Georgian building is situated overlooking the River Fergus.

visit ennis 13

Manse Garden

Court House Lifford

This building was erected by the County Clare Grand Jury in 1850, to the design of Henry Whitestone, at a cost of £12,000.

It is a quadrangular building with a grand limestone ashlar facade consisting of an ionic portico and two flanking wings. Beside the Courthouse is a large Russian cannon, a trophy of the Crimean war.

Clare Abbey Clare Abbey was the first, largest and most important Augustinian house in Clare, founded in 1189.

It is situated on an elevated site beside the River Fergus. Despite a turbulent history the abbey remained in use until the 17th century. A number of later additions to the body of the abbey survive as well as later buildings.

There are a number of interesting sculptural features for the observant visitor. There are information boards at the site.

In the town park near the Courthouse, is a larger than life bronze statue of Eamon de Valera mounted on a limestone pedestal. The former President of Ireland is depicted taking the salute and was sculpted by Jim Connolly.

14 visit ennis

St. Columba’s Church Bindon Street

The foundation stone of Drumcliffe Church, Ennis (St. Columba’s) was laid on 24 June 1869.

The church was consecrated on 30 November 1871 and replaced a smaller building.. The Norman rose motif in the window at the east end is a striking feature.

Traditional Market Every Wednesday - Saturday Where you will find ladies fashions, footwear, rugs, bric-a-brac, freshly baked goods, homemade natural cosmetics and wooden toys are just a taste of what is on offer.

The church has a James Leech reredos containing twenty-four biblical figures painted by Catherine Amelia O’Brien.

The small pyramidal mausoleum to the Blood family stands in the church grounds. Sir Bindon Blood (after whom Bindon Street was named) was commanding officer in north-west India of Winston Churchill in the late nineteenth century.

Presidential Car Harmony Row

The 1947 Dodge Plymouth that transported two of Ireland’s presidents, including Eamon de Valera, in the early years of the State has been fully restored and is on display in a room adjacent to the public library.

Ennis Farmers Market Every Friday 8am-2pm (Mar-Dec)

De Valera Monument & Park Lifford

Markets

Mohammed Ali Monument The Turnpike

Visit the monument on the green in the Turnpike. Unveiled by “The Greatest” himself, it stands over 7 feet tall at the site of his Irish Ancestral home.

What to See

“The resulting artworks hope to engage surprise and entertain viewers of all ages.“

images © Wall Candy

Limerick Road

The Manse Garden situated between the Local Studies Centre and DeValera Library is a quite retreat from the busy street and is a pleasant place to visit. It is a wildflower garden endowed with a number incomplete sculpture pieces, which signify incompleteness through all stages of life.

Visit the Ennis Farmers Market where you will find the best local ingredients from local producers. Selling Bread, Cakes, Tarts, Biscuits, Jams, Chutneys, Organic Vegetables, Fresh Flowers & Garden Plants, Farmhouse Cheeses, Free-Range & Organic Meat, Pies & Quiches, Handmade Chocolate, Free-range & Organic Eggs, Pesto & Sauces. Natural Cosmetics and Herbal Teas.

Wall Candy www.wallcandy.ie

15 professional artists with diverse skills have transformed areas of the town into fun, free-toview art pieces. All of the chosen sites have interesting or unusual features. Grab a map from local shops, hotels and tourists outlets and seek out the quirky displays.

The aim of Wallcandy is to give artists the opportunity and freedom to conceive and create a piece of art that uses a particular site in an interesting and quirky way. The resulting artworks hope to engage surprise and entertain viewers of all ages.

visit ennis 15

Where to Shop

Art Supplies

Children

Furniture

Art & Craft Co.

United Colors of Benetton

Madden Furniture

Merchants Square 065 682 1559 info@artandcraft.ie www.artandcraft.ie

Stockists of artists materials and supplies including paints, brushes, canvasses, sketch books and drawing materials.

Also ideal “rainy day” craft and hobby sets as well as lots of kids make and do stuff.

Unit 3, Market Place 065 682 3868

Selling children’s wear, maternity and ladies wear. Gift wrapping available. “Colour, quality and fashion are very important to us.”

Markets Traditional Market Every Wed – Sat

Where you will find Ladies fashions, footwear, rugs, bric-a-brac, freshly baked goods, homemade natural cosmetics and wooden toys are just a taste of what is on offer.

Station Road 065-6822844 sales@maddenfurniture.com www.maddenfurniture.com www.cribs.ie

Madden Furniture have been retailing furniture, carpets, soft furnishings and accessories for over 30 years to customers all over Ireland. Madden Furniture now stands as one of the leading retailers of Interior Furnishings in the Mid-West. *see advert for more details.

Garden Centre Vaughan’s Garden Centre, Gift Shop & Café

Banks

Gort Road Business Park 065 689 3408 vaughan.ennis@gmail.com

AIB Bank Place 065 682 8777 www.aib.ie

All banking services including Bureau de Change and ATM.

Ennis Farmers Market

Specialising in High Quality Indoor and Outdoor Plants. Professional staff can help and advise you on all your gardening needs and queries.

Every Fri 8am-2pm(Mar-Dec)

Book Shops The Ennis Bookshop 13 Abbey Street 065 682 9000 books@ennisbookshop.ie www.ennisbookshop.ie

*Books, Cards, Gifts, Stationery & Kids World for Children’s books and educational Toys.

Visit the Ennis Farmers Market where you will find the best local ingredients from local producers.

Selling Bread, Cakes, Tarts, Biscuits, Jams, Chutneys, Organic Vegetables, Fresh Flowers & Garden Plants, Farmhouse Cheeses, Free-Range & Organic Meat, Pies & Quiches, Handmade Chocolate, Free-range & Organic Eggs, Pesto & Sauces, Natural Cosmetics and Herbal Teas.

Gifts & Souvenirs Giftvenue 36 Abbey St 065 686 7891

Renowned for showcasing Ireland’s best loved gift brands as well as promoting new and emerging talent amongst Irish designers, a visit to this award winning shopping destination is highly recommended.

The Irish Shop 1-2 Lr Market St 065 6820769 sales@theirishshop.com www.theirishshop.com

Knitwear from Kerry Woollen Mills, Jewellery, Clothing and other Irish gifts.

FREE gift on presentation of this advert on purchases over €30.00 *see advert for more details.

Household Linens The Ennis Cash Co. Arthurs Row 065 682 8575

One of the oldest houses in Ireland today selling Irish Linens. Founded in 1880 and have specialised in linens for over 130 years. Aall sizes in table cloths both in Linen Damask and Natural Linen with napkins to match.

Jewellery Collins Jewellers O’Connell Street 065 6824490 info@collinsjewellers.ie www.collinsjewellers.ie Specialists in engagement and wedding rings. Traditional and contemporary jewellery, including Claddagh rings. Qualified jewellers in house who design and manufacture.

Seoidin Jewellery / Seoidin Eile 52 O’Connell St / 45 Abbey St

(beside Queen’s Hotel)

065 682 3510 / 065 684 8581 www.seoidin.com

Celtic jewellery, designer watches, pottery, crystal and Irish giftware. *see advert for more details.

16 visit ennis

visit ennis 17

STE ELE S TC E

to Galway Exit 14

to Lahinch/ Cliffs of Moher West Clare Maid of Erin Roundabout

to Tim Smythe Park

COLLE GE RD

to Auburn Lodge Hotel School

School

MIL LR OA D

Garda Station

GAA Cusack Park

HARMONY ROW

RD MILL

Br ew ery

ATM €

use tho Sal

T

FRAN

Mc RowDonnel l’s

CIS ST

ST

Ennis Shopping Centre

Franciscan Friary

Fri Bowar’s

HIGH

i Museum Place St. Paul de Fenouillet

O’CONN E LL

Chapel Lane

Sq Merchant’s

FRIAR

’S WA

LK

Glór Irish Music Centre

PAY & DISPLAY - 1 HOUR PAY & DISPLAY - 1 & 2 HOUR

Templegate Hotel

Quinn ’s Bow Cook e’s La ne

PAY & DISPLAY - UP TO 2 HOURS

Lwr Market St

OD YS T

AC K

ST

’CO NN ELL

BUS STOP TAXI RANK School

RD

Tur npi ke R

d

KIL R

COACH PARKING - 14 SPACES

Old Ground Hotel

ST

CLARE

to Kilrush / Kilkee / West Clare / Loop Head

PAY & DISPLAY - LONG STAY - 8 HOUR

Multi Storey Car Park

St. Peter & Paul’s Cathedral

ST AT I ON

RIVER WALK

RD

RR

US

HR

D

CA RM

BA

RO

OLD

gle Road

Ennis Town Shopping Centre

UP

MARKET PL

Multi Storey Car Park

Barrack PL

PAY & DISPLAY - 4 HOUR ATM €

CL ON

er Hill Summ

Simm s Lan e

ig Drumb

n in’s L Curta

’s Ln Caby

T ST RKE NMA COR

T ELL S PARN

Ln

ry ria dF l O n ATM € L O’CONNELL SQ Arthu Row r’s ST

Ln

QUAY WOOD

AB

Sh an k’s Ln

YS

ATM €

Queens Hotel

BE

Po Off st Ln

BA NK PL Main AC E Post Office

ell St

Franciscan Abbey

library Bin don Ln

St Columba’s Church

BIN DO NS T

Rowan Tree Hostel

Lwr Parn

To Tulla/ East Clare/ Exit 13

NEW RD

to Newpark House

to Galway Exit 14

NEWBRID GE RD

to Woodstock Hotel

Court House

SCULPTURE TRAIL

RD

to Shannon / Bunratty / Limerick Exit 11/12 to West County Hotel to Clare Inn Hotel

to Quin / Knappogue / Cragganowen BUS/TRAIN STATION

Where to Shop

Ladies Fashion County Boutique 57 O’Connell Street 065 682 1947 sales@countyboutique.com www.countyboutique.com Find us & Like us on Facebook for regular updates.

The County Boutique is an emporium of delectable fashion on 2 floors; on the Ground Floor you will find gorgeous daywear; the First Floor specializes in Occasion Wear & Premium Irish and International Designers.

Willow 4 O’Connell Street 065 689 1342 info@willow.ie www.willow.ie www.facebook.com/iLoveWillow

Willow prides itself with an uncompromising commitment to delivering innovative, original products combining exceptional design, quality and value in an atmosphere that is welcoming & honest. Fashion labels like Ted Baker, Almost Famous and Vero Moda.

Men’s Fashion CD2 Mens & Boys Fashion Market Street 065 684 0403

20 visit ennis

O’Connell Street 065 684 0440 www.clubdangan.com

Two floors of quality menswear, Top brands: Gant, Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren & Lacoste.

SUIT HIRE AVAILABLE. Discounts available (on non-sale stock only).

The Ennis Cash Company Ltd. 3 O’Connell Street 065 682 8575

One of Ireland’s oldest mens outfitters looking after customers from all countries since 1880. Specialising in mens ready-made suits, Tweed Jackets including the famous Harris Tweed.

Pharmacies Flynn’s Pharmacy Sheils Centre, Gort Road 065 686 4477

Free car parking; Family run pharmacy; selection of skincare and cosmetics. 1st pharmacy on entrance road from exit 14 from motorway.

Participating member of Create the Magic Initiative.

Duffy’s Pharmacy Ennis Shopping Centre, 065 682 8833 www.ennispharmacy.com

26 years in business, Fragrance: Givenchy, Emporio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Boss, Cacharel Cosmetics: La Roche Posay, Vichy, Isadora, Rimmell, Gosh Baby: Avent, Nuk, Munchkin. Also stockists of full range of Mane ‘n Tail hair products.

Newsagents O’Connors Newsagents 19 Market Street Ennis 065 682 2565 sheilaoconn@gmail.com

‘Serving the most extensive range of papers & magazines in Clare for the past 30 years’!

Sports/Outdoor Opticians Louise Cremin Brogan Opticians 26 O’Connell Street 065 682 8088 broganopticians@eircom.net

Glasses & Sunglasses, Contact Lenses, Eye Tests, Optical Repairs

Tierney Cycles & Fishing 17 Abbey Street 065 682 9433 noel@clarebikehire.com www.clarebikehire.com

For all your activity in sports and hobbies. Including fishing & archery equipment. Give them a call!”

image © Patrick McHugh

The latest in fashion & jeanswear for boys and men. Dedicated youth selection: ages 8-16. Top fashion brands: Ben Sherman, Hilfiger Denim, Levis, French Connection. Discounts available (on non-sale stock only).

Club Dangan Menswear

visit ennis 21

Health & beauty

top tips 1. Ennis Walking Tours Experience a journey through time on these entertaining guided walking tours, through the winding streets of medieval Ennis! History, mythology, legends, ghosts, poverty, murders and more are all covered on the tour which was praised by Lonely Planet as the best way to appreciate the town. See listing on page 8.

Spas Aveda Medi Health Clinic Summerhill 065 686 4689 / 682 3814 avedacspa@eircom.net www.avedacspa.com

Our Organic Hair Salon, Medical Health Clinic and Beauty salon mean they have everything you could need under one roof.

Local Services Ennis Garda (Police)Station Abbey Street 065 684 8100

Shannondoc (Out-of-hours medical service) Gort Road 1850 212 999

Ennis General Hospital Accident & Emergency 8am-8pm Gort Road 065 282 4464

Ennis Main Post Office Bank Place 065 686 6546

22 visit ennis

2. Take time out to visit the many individual Boutiques in Ennis as we are famed for being the “Boutique Capital of Ireland” 3. Attend a GAA Match

when here for a weekend. Be it a Big Final in Cusack Park or a league fixture in one of the nearby Clubs… you’ll really find out how passionate we are about sport.

During any of these games you would love to be asked to “tog out”! Tickets can be sourced by your Accommodation Provider. www.clare.gaa.ie

4. Visit glór our state of the art Venue for Music and Dance as well as many stage productions. glór brings the best of local, national and international entertainment to Co. Clare and is one of the premier arts and performance venues on the Irish circuit, a venue actively sought out by the cream of Irish performers and artists.

Glór, Causeway Link, Ennis 065 6843 103 info@glor.ie www.glor.ie

5. Every Tuesday & Thursday our local papers are on sale where you can read up on all that’s interesting in the lives of the people of Ennis and Clare… We recommend you visit one of our many little Cafés and read the paper while having a freshly baked scone!

6. When staying in a local Hotel always try and get a Dinner inclusive package for one of your nights as the Restaurants are, in some cases, Award Wining and excellent value for money.

7. Check out

all Ennis has to offer in terms of evening entertainment. With a wide variety of restaurants and bars ranging from Italian themed Cafés on the river to vibrant late night bars on Abbey Street we cater for all your needs!

8. For all daily excursions

around the County from Ennis ask at our Tourist Office, situated off O’Connell Square beside the Temple Gate Hotel, for all that is on offer. Rent a car or take a scheduled bus service to and from the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty or Loop Head Peninsula.

If you feel up to it rent a bike and cycle around!

9. Ennis App “Ennis App” is a visitor and shopping directory for the town of Ennis. It is available for FREE download for Apple and Android devices. Great vouchers and offers to be found.

10. “Ireland Discount Guide” App Great offers and discounts available for 90 top attractions throughout Ireland. This FREE App is a wonderful guide to the top things to see and do in Ireland.

During your visits to Ennis, you may come upon cúpla focal (a couple of words) in Irish. Fear not! Here is a run down of how to pronounce them and what they mean: Hello there – Dia duit (pron. jee-a ditch) Welcome – Fáilte romhat (pron. fall-cha rowth) What’s your name? – Cad is anim duit? (pron. cod is anim ditch) Are you married? – An bhfuil tú pósta? (pron. on will too pow-sta) A pint of Guinness please – Pionta Guinness, más é do thoil é (pron. pint-a Guinness mawsh aye di hull aye) Thank you – Go raibh maith agat (pron. guh rev mah agut) You’re welcome – Tá failte romhat (pron. thaw foil-cha rowth)

*Visit Ennis would like to thank all the businesses and advertisers who have supported this brochure.

visit ennis 23

Cafés

Cafés

Ennis has a great and varied mixture of cafés, from bustling town centre to riverside terraced eateries all serving beautiful and often locally sourced ingredients. All served with a generous helping of friendliness.

Café Aroma 3 Bank Place 065 686 8944 Caféaromarestaurant@gmail.com Find us on Facebook:

Caféaroma

This beautiful Café is well known for its ‘All day Irish Breakfast’.

There is also a full menu ranging from freshly made sandwiches, to delicious hot lunches.

Evening menu available from 4pm onwards. Free wifi also available.

Ennis Gourmet Store Barrack Street 065 684 3314 bistro@ennisgourmet.com

A French run bistro in a charming square in Ennis. With a charming full terrace, bistro and shop serving beer, wine and tapas till late.

The Number 1 address in Ennis for fine foods and fine wines.

24 visit ennis

Food Heaven

Rowan Tree Café Bar

21 Market Street 065 682 2722 foodheaven@gmail.com www.foodheaven.eu

Harmony Row 065 686 8669 info@rowantreecafebar.ie www.rowantreecafebar.ie

Fresh food deli counter. Home baking daily with gourmet coffee in stylish surroundings.

Recommended by Georgina Campbell, Bridgestone Guide & Time Out Guide.

Mocha Coffee Arthur’s Row 065 689 1326

Brimming with character, overlooking the river, Rowan Tree Cafe Bar is informal, relaxed and fun. Open seven days, 10.30am to 11pm, there is an outdoor terrace for “Al Fresco” dining. Voted best place to eat in Co. Clare 2011. Free wifi. *see advert for more details.

Indoor & outdoor seating, serving wine, coffee and an excellent range of sandwiches, soups, salads, pizzas & deserts.

O’Briens Sandwich Café Parnell Street 065 682 2655 www.obriens.ie

Providing freshly prepared food, juices and smoothies, and excellent coffee at affordable prices. *see advert for more details.

Zest!

Market Place 065 6821014 ennis@zestfood.ie www.zestfood.ie Open 7 days a week 8-6pm Mon-Weds & Sat 8-8pm Thurs & Fri 11-5 Sundays Branches also in Limerick & Killaloe open daily. Coffees, Cakes, Salads, Wine, & Handmade Breads.

visit ennis 25

Tailor Quigley’s Pub

Evening Entertainment

Auburn Lodge Hotel Galway Road 065 682 1247

Evening Entertainment

Wonderful atmosphere for a sing-along, and one can enjoy listening to many famous musicians nightly during the Summer. Come and enjoy a ‘session’ with many of Clare’s well known musicians.

The Diamond Bar

Pubs Knox’s Pub & Bistro 18 Abbey Street 065 6822871 www.knoxs.ie

Lively Pub and Bistro in the heart of Ennis. Bar food served daily from €7.95. Live music or other entertainment nightly. Free wifi. *see advert for more details.

Dan O’Connell’s 2 Abbey Street 065 684 9914 www.facebook.com/Dan.OConnells.Ennis

Dan’s which is named after the Daniel O’Connell monument which can be seen from the front door is a vibrant bar of 2 floors. Good food served daily with live music, D.J’s and all sporting events shown.

Cruises’ Pub Queens Hotel Abbey Street 065 682 8963 www.queenshotelennis.com

*see advert for more details.

69 O’Connell Street 065 682 4463

Fawl’s is family run established 1932. The bar has retained the original old style with traditional old fashioned snug as well as a spacious beer garden. Traditional Irish Music every Saturday night year round with free entry. The adjacent old world off-licence stocks an impressive range of speciality spirits, old and new world wines and rare whiskeys.

Preachers Pub

queenshotelennis@gmail.com

Traditional Irish Music 7 Nights a week. With Late Bar. Food served daily. Covered smoking area and large TVs for all sporting events.

Michael Fawl’s Bar & Off-licence

F. Considine (Faffa’s) 15 Parnell Street 087 908 2599 www.facebook.com/pages/FaffaConsidines/123753734319106

Locally known as ‘Faffas’, this warm and welcoming bar is well regarded as one of the best traditional music pubs in County Clare. Weekly sessions with All musicians welcome to join in.

Temple Gate Hotel The Square 065 682 3300 info@templegatehotel.com www.templegatehotel.com

This customed designed traditional themed pub has an inviting and friendly atmosphere which both guests and locals enjoy.

An acclaimed bar food menu is served throughout the day and Preachers is a previous winner of “Best Place to Eat in Clare”.

Regular traditional Irish music sessions ensure its’ continued popularity.

25 O’Connell Street 065 682 8332 https://www.facebook.com/diamond. bar.545?ref=ts&fref=ts

Recently renovated, The Diamond Bar has an old world charm and relaxed atmosphere.

Come in and have a chat to Gerry about the Golf, GAA, Racing or whatever it may be, while enjoying one of the best pints in town. Food served daily.

Yolo Bar & Restaurant 40 Abbey Street 065 679 7999

A modern Bar & Restaurant centrally located in Abbey Street.

Food is served 7 days a week in a comfortable atmosphere with a vast menu to suit all tastes.

Late Bar all weekend with great Live Bands & local D.J’s. Outdoor seating available. Free wifi. *see advert for more details.

*see advert for more details.

26 visit ennis

visit ennis 27

Evening Entertainment

Restaurants Knox’s Pub & Bistro 18 Abbey Street 065 6822871 www.knoxs.ie

Atmospheric Bistro located over Knox’s Pub. Serving a fantastic array of dishes to please any palate. 2 course menu starts from €16.50.

3 courses from €21.95 *see advert for more details.

Rowan Tree Café Bar Harmony Row 065 686 8669 info@rowantreecafebar.ie www.rowantreecafebar.ie

The menu offers Mediterranean inspired cuisine and an interesting selection of wines and beers. Open seven days, 10.30am to 11pm, there is an outdoor terrace for “Al Fresco” dining. Voted best place to eat in Co. Clare 2011.

The Town Hall O’Connell Street 065 682 8127 www.flynnhotels.com

The Modern Town Hall provides bistro style lunches & evening dinners.

The Brendan O’Regan elegant dining room creates superb seafood & meat dishes & our Poet Corner Bar for excellent food & lively traditional music.

*see advert for more details.

Upper Market Street 065 689 9393 diningroomennis@gmail.com www.diningroomennis.com

Legends Restaurant Temple Gate Hotel, The Square 065 682 3300

Legends Restaurant is a member of the Shannon region Good Food Circle and winner of the prestigious AA Rosette - a true endorsement of the quality of our restaurant in terms of both food and service.

There are many traditional music sessions on in the lively pubs around Ennis. Check out our pub section or ask a local for recommendations!

Glór Causeway Link 065 684 3103 info@glor.ie www.glor.ie glór – being the voice of Co. Clare brings the best of local, national and international entertainment to Co. Clare and is one of the premier arts & performance venues on the Irish circuit.

IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Award – Munster Winner 2012.

The Dining Room

The Dining Room Ennis. Where we pride ourselves on serving exquisite food at affordable prices. “We have quickly earned a reputation among the people of Ennis as providing a superb dining experienced.”

After Dark

Tulsi Restaurant Carmody Street 065 6848060

Sister Restaurant of the Award Winning Best Ethnic Restaurant in Dublin & Galway for 02/03 from THE RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND

*see advert for more details.

Fast Food The Cloister Restaurant & Bar Abbey Street 065-6868198 info@cloister.ie www.cloister.ie

Using regional quality ingredients & allowing the simplicity of the cooking speak for itself committed to the core values of hospitality & service.

28 visit ennis

Supermac’s The Sherwood Inn 065 6820255 www.thesherwood.ie

The Sherwood Inn is a familyrun Restaurant providing good value, home cooked food in a comfortable Bistro style setting.

You’ll find us located in the Ennis Shopping Centre.

O’Connell Street 065 682 0914 www.supermacs.ie

Providing customers with the best quality food, service and value delivered by a friendly, motivated team in a clean and welcoming environment unique to Supermac’s.

Queen’s Nightclub Abbey Street 065 682 8963 queenshotelennis@gmail.com www.queenshotelennis.com State of the art nightclub with top DJ’s and Cocktail Bar.

suitable for families

visit ennis 29

Galway City

Day Trips from Ennis

Day Trips from Ennis Aran Islands

North Clare

South Clare

N1 Dysert O’Dea Castle & Trail

S1 Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

N2 Mullaghmore Mountain Burren National Park

S2 Knappogue Castle

Black Head

N3 GORT Doolin

S3 Craggaunowen - The Living Past

N3 Ailwee Caves

Cliffs of Moher

S4 Quin Abbey

N5 Liscannor

N4 Poulnabrone Dolmen

Lisdoonvarna

Kilfenora

N2

N4

Ennistymon

Miltown-Malbay W5 Spanish Point

East Clare

Quilty

E1 Lough Derg

West Clare

Kilnaboy

W2 Scattery Island Dolphin Watching

M18 exit 14

Ennis Clarecastle

Scarriff Tuamgraney

Crusheen Spancilhill

Tulla

E4

Bodyke

E1

LOUGH DERG

exit 13 exit 12

exit 11

Quin S4

S3

Kilkishen

E2

S2 Knappogue Castle

Killaloe E3

O'Briensbridge Sixmilebridge Shannon S1 Bunratty Castle

Kilkee

Shannon Airport

E5 Mountshannon / Whitegate

W5 Spanish Point Beach

& Miltown Malbay

N1

Doonbeg W4

E4 Inis Cealtra (Holy Island)

W4 Kilkee Cliff Walk & Beach

Inagh

Lissycasey

E3 St. Flannan’s 13th Century Cathedral

W3 Loop Head Lighthouse

Whitegate Mountshannon E5

Corrofin

Kilmaley

E2 Brian Boru’s Ring Fort

2km North of Killaloe

W1 Vandeleur Walled Gardens

M18

Lemanagh Castle

N6 Lahinch

N5 Cliffs of Moher N6 Lahinch Beach

N18

Ballyvaughan

Fanore

Kilrush Carrigaholt

W2

Limerick City

W1

Car Ferry

W3

© Loop Head Tourism

© Loop Head Tourism

For more information www.clare.ie

no entrance charge

© Loop Head Tourism

© Loop Head Tourism

County Clare has many wonderful attractions and Ennis is within reach of all.

Outdoor adventure, hiking and walking tours are just some of the things to do!

Opposite are some suggested family friendly day trips from Ennis, there are many more sites and attractions which you may find interesting en route...

hiking

walking

surfing

visit ennis 31

Annual Events Calendar Please check www.visitennis.com for regular updates

Year of The Gathering 2013 www.thegatheringireland.com

january Shannonside Winter Music Weekend Sixmilebridge & Bunratty Cajun, roots, bluegrass, jazz, gospel & traditional music and song in a programme of about 70 events in intimate venues around Sixmilebridge and Bunratty. www.wmw.ie

Shopping Sales A fantastic opportunity to take advantage of special offers and promotions for the month of January. Annual sales to clear out after Christmas.

february Corofin Trad Festival Traditional Music with various sessions in the local pubs and a Concert nightly in Teach Ceoil. corofintradfest@gmail.com www.corofintradfest.com

St. Valentine’s Day You will find a delightful range of eateries in Ennis plus a superb range of accommodation options with unequalled levels of customer service to ensure you have a special day.

march Ennis Book Club Festival The Ennis Book Club Festival is a wonderful social and literary gathering bringing together book club members and readers from all over Ireland and beyond. info@ennisbookclubfestival.com www.ennisbookclubfestival.com

St Patrick’s Day A frenzy of colourful floats, banners and marching bands in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

32 visit visitennis ennis

april Easter Rising Commemoration A wreath laying ceremony in Drumcliff cemetery in Ennis to commemorate the Easter Rising.

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Bunratty Easter Celebrations at Bunratty. www.shannonheritage.com/SpecialEvents

Craggaunowen, Quin Easter Fun & Games at Craggaunowen, a superb family day out! Meet Easter Bunny and enjoy puppet shows, magic shows, bouncy castle and delicious Easter eggs. www.shannonheritage.com/SpecialEvents reservations@shannonheritage.com

may Fleadh Nua The concept of bringing together concerts, céilí, music, song and dancing workshops, street entertainment, pageants and parades saw the invention of the Fleadh Nua. ceoltrad@eircom.net | www.fleadhnua.com

Riches of Clare Free lunchtime traditional music series throughout Clare. www.richesofclare.com

june Riches of Clare Free lunchtime traditional music series throughout Clare. www.richesofclare.com

Traditional Horse Fair, Kilrush The tradition of Horse Fairs & Markets is still alive in Kilrush.

Spancilhill Horse Fair Buyers and sellers of horses and ponies from all over Ireland converge at this famous horse fair. www.spancilhillfair.com

july

october

Ennis Street Festival

Ennis Fashion Week

Come and enjoy us for 3 days of fun and festivities. Enjoy our local arts festival and our beautiful town with an exciting, exhilarating and colorful mix of music, theatre, dance, visual art, workshops, circus and street performance. Please check website for dates www.ennisstreetfestival.com Facebook: Ennis Street Festival

Willie Clancy Summer School The Willie Clancy Summer School is dedicated to promoting the study and practice of Irish Traditional music, song and dance www.visitmiltownmalbay.ie

Ennis, known as “The Boutique Capital of Ireland”, brings its wide range of unique retailers together for a series of special events and in-store promotions for customers. www.ennisfashion.ie

Halloween Fun and Games Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Activities include children’s fancy dress, pirate show, magic shows, thriller dance group, Halloween games and much more! www.shannonheritage.com/SpecialEvents/

Riches of Clare www.richesofclare.com

november

august

Ennis Trad Festival, Ennis

Clare County Show Every year the county show attracts many competitors and spectators from far and wide. With classes in horticulture, cattle, horses, dogs, jumping, driving, arts and crafts, the show provides a platform to showcase the best of horticulture and agriculture in all its forms. www.clareshowsociety.com

Lughnasa Festival at Craggaunowen – The Living Past

Featuring costumed re-enactors from the Bronze Age to Medieval times. Enjoy combat demonstrations, ancient cooking demonstrations and much more! www.shannonheritage.com/SpecialEvents reservations@shannonheritage.com

september Tulla Traditional Music Festival A great weekend of music, song, dancing, workshops, recitals, concert and ceilithe. tullacce@gmail.com www.tullatradfestival.com

Traditional Harvest Day, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

See old style threshing demonstrations, vintage machinery display, sheaf throwing competitions, traditional Irish music and dancing and much more! www.shannonheritage.com/SpecialEvents/

Traditional Music Festival, Concerts, over 100 sessions, Free CD launch concerts, master classes, dance workshops, Céilí’s, Talks, Traditional themed table quiz. contact@ennistradfestival.com www.ennistradfestival.com

Anon is Anall Exhibition glór gallery

A contemporary exhibition of the arts using traditional Irish music as the catylist. Ten Traditional Clare Musicians create ten new tunes and hand the tunes over to ten contemporary artists who then use the music as inspiration for their art works. www.anonisanall.com

december Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Bunratty Village

Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, a troupe of Elves and a host of other Christmas characters will be among the special visitors to Bunratty Folk Park, Co. Clare, in the lead up to Christmas www.shannonheritage.com

Christmas Shopping Lining its narrow, meandering streets is a bewildering variety of fantastic shopping opportunities: unique retail outlets with traditional customer service values. The town is fast gaining a reputation as being ‘the boutique capital of Ireland’. The perfect place to buy a perfect Christmas gift.

visit ennis 33

Preachers Pub

“Best Place to Eat in Clare� 2010 Food served all day until late

Legends Restaurant

AA Rosette Award winning restaurant THE SQUARE, ENNIS, CO CLARE 065 6823300 info@templegatehotel.com www.templegatehotel.com

The Dromoland Estate Where the only thing overlooked is the view!

The Dromoland Castle Estate & Country Club Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare, Ireland. www.dromoland.ie

40 ABBEY ST. ENNIS, CO. CLARE TEL: 065 67 97 999

“For All Things Irish” Full range of Irish Traditional Music – Local and International Artists

Serving Extraordinary Food @ less Than Ordinary Prices FOOD SERVED 7 DAYS A WEEK BREAKFAST – LUNCH – DINNER MONDAY TO FRIDAY 10AM – 8PM SATURDAY 10AM – 6PM SUNDAY 12PM – 6PM

MAIN COURSES FROM €7.95

Gifts & Crafts Section in store and online, with products: From County Clare: Burren Perfumery, McKernan Scarves, Ballymorris Pottery, Glendara Art, Rossanog Products, Seoda na Boirne Jewellery, and more From the Rest of Ireland: Aran Crafts Knitwear, Green Angel cosmetics, Treasures of Ireland Jewellery, All Official Guinness Clothing and gifts, and much more Ticketmaster agent for County Clare Ph/Fax: +353 65 6820769 Email: sales@theirishshop.com Web: www.theirishshop.com

Specialist in Irish Traditional Music for over 30 years

Queens Hotel & Nightclub

A lovely 45 bedroomed historic hotel located beside Ennis Abbey in the heart of Ennis town.

Visit our state of the art nightclub with top DJ’s and Cocktail Bar. Abbey Street, Ennis, Co. Clare. tel 065 682 8963 fax 065 682 8628

Madden Furniture Station Road 065-6822844 sales@maddenfurniture.com

www.maddenfurniture.com www.cribs.ie

email queenshotelennis@gmail.com www.queenshotelennis.com

STOP BY FOR LUNCH OR DINNER AND ENJOY A DELICIOUS SELECTION OF SALADS, PIZZAS, PASTAS, TAPAS AND GRILLED MEATS. GREAT SELECTION OF WINES AVAILABLE BY THE GLASS. BEST COFFEE IN TOWN SERVED ALL DAY. Awarded ‘BEST PLACE TO EAT IN CLARE’ FBD Clare Business Excellence Awards RESERVATIONS (065) 686 8669 Open 7 days from 10.30am To 11pm HARMONY ROW, ENNIS Access from Harmony Bridge, Abbey St carpark

www.rowantreecafebar.ie