Travel Guide to Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland
About Ennis
Ennis is the capital of County Clare and is world-famous for traditional music. This ancient town’s history combined with its famous narrow streetscapes and character buildings gives it a special and quite unique ambience.
Ennis was the Entente Florale European Gold Medal Winner in 2002. Intimate old shops abound in the narrow streets offering the best of food, crafts and clothing.
The town is surrounded by the River Fergus which divides and unites again forming the Island – Inis an Inish – from which Ennis derives its name. Recent years have seen the development of a delightful Riverside walk to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Ennis also has its own 6 screen Multiplex Cinema.
The famous Clare towns of Lahinch, Doolin and Liscannor are all within easy driving distance of Ennis.
Local Activities in Ennis
Golf in Ennis
Ennis is a perfect base for the golfer. It offers two golf courses - Woodstock Golf Club and Ennis Golf Club and the courses of Kilkee, Kilrush, Lahinch and Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg are all within a short drive of the town.
Horse Riding in Ennis
Horse riding is available locally for riders of all levels of proficiency from beginner to advanced.
Cycling in Ennis
There are many signposted cycling routes all around Clare and bikes are available locally for hire.
Traditional Music in Ennis
Ennis has been host to the “Fleadh Nua” - one of Ireland’s best festivals of tradtional music for the past 30 years. It is a week long festival held every May and is a wonderful celebration of concerts, Irish Dancing, street entertainment, pageants and parades.
Throughout October the Arts in Ennis Festival celebrates all forms of the arts and then in November, the Ennis Traditional Music Festival brings together the very best of traditional Irish musicians.
Ennis also offers a superb auditorium – Glor Irish Music Centre – where the best of traditional Irish Music and Dance along with Theatre is performed on most nights.
Angling in Ennis
The River Fergus in Ennis is famous for trout and salmon fishing and within a few miles of the town are many lakes offering pike and coarse fishing. Sea angling is also available off the Clare coast.
Walking in Ennis
Ennis provides easy access to a number of walking routes including the Burren Way, the Mid-Clare Way, the East-Clare Way and the Lough Derg Way.
Local Visitor Attractions Near Ennis
- Cliffs of Moher
- The Burren
- Aran Islands
- Knappogue Castle
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Quin Abbey
- King John’s Castle
- Lahinch Seaworld
- Scattery Island Tours
- Dolphin Watching at Carrigaholt
- Hunt Museum
- De Valera Museum
- Ailwee Caves
