Ennis Town Map
The town of Ennis is renowned for its live traditional music, which can be enjoyed in many of the town's pubs. Each year, in May, Ennis hosts the Fleadh Nua, an international celebration of traditional Irish culture. An open air market is held in the town every Saturday. Full of colour and craic, you can buy anything there from a calf to a camera. If you're in Ennis for the weekend, don't miss it. www.visitennis.com
Inis” or Island – grew up around a monastic site founded in 1240. Nestling on the River Fergus in the heart of Clare, Ennis is one of the most picturesque towns in Ireland. The quaint narrow streets of the county town reveal a streetscape, rich in history. An outstanding feature of the towns architecture is the old Ennis Abbey dating from the late 13th or early 14th Century. The town is a superb base for participation in a whole range of activities including golf, horse-riding, fishing, cycling and walking. The town of Ennis is renowned for its live traditional music, which can be enjoyed in many of the town’s pubs. Each year, in May, Ennis hosts the Fleadh Nua, an international celebration of traditional Irish culture. An open air market is held in the town every Saturday. Full of colour and craic, you can buy anything there from a calf to a camera. If you’re in Ennis for the weekend, don’t miss it. www.visitennis.com
Ennis. SO MUCH TO SEE.
The riches of clare museum
The Riches of Clare Museum – The Riches of Clare exhibition at Clare Museum tells the history of the county over a period of 6,000 years using authentic artefacts, colourful text panels and audio-visual presentations. The exhibitions is divided into the themes of Earth, Power, Faith, Water and Energy and includes a large collection of objects on loan from the National Museum of Ireland making a visit to Clare Museum and essential introduction whole county. Admission is free with ample car parking and free coach parking beside the museum. Large groups should book in advance.
the maid of erin
The Maid Of Erin – A commemoration life sized statue dedicated to three Nationalists Allen, Larkin and O’Brien who in Manchester 1867, were executed for their role in a Fenian rescue attempt.
Chapel lane
Chapel Lane – Is an old pedestrian thoroughfare which still retains much of its period atmosphere.
the markets
The Markets – Upper and Lower Market Street has been the traditional venue for the sale of livestock and agricultural produce for a considerable time. Market Street Market is on Friday and Saturday and the Farmers Market is situated at Roslevan Shopping Centre, Tulla Road, Ennis – Friday 8am-2pm
De Valera Library
De Valera Library – Originally erected as a Presbyterian Church in 1853 as the parish church for Ennis and it replaced the old church in Chapel Lane, which itself was erected in 1736. www.clarelibrary.ie
O'Connell Street
O’Connell Street – Formerly known as Jail Street, it is one of the busiest shopping areas in the town.
Church of Ireland
Church of Ireland – The church was built in 1871 and occupies a prominent position at a corner of Bindon Street.
Ennis friary
Ennis Friary – The greatest jewel in Ennis’ crown is the Old Franciscan Friary, located in an attractive setting near the river. Open April to October. Admission Charge. Tel: 065 6829100. www.heritageireland.ie
Lysaght's Lane
Lysaght’s Lane – In Lysaght’s Lane there is an inscribed tablet set in the wall of a bakery to remind the passer-by that the Franciscans found shelter and protection there during the Penal Days.
The o'connell monument
The O’Connell Monument – Was erected by public subscriptions in 1867. The site is the place where O’Connell was declared MP for Clare in 1828, an historic event which was later to result in the passing of the Catholic Emancipation Act.
ennis sculpture trail
This guide describes the ten sculptures on the original Ennis Sculpture Initiative. However, the number of public art-works in Ennis and all over County Clare is increasing all the time, and visitors will come across other pieces, in metal and wood as well as stone, as they wander around. More information available le on the County Clare website www.clarelibrary.ie
’A Fish Tail’ by Carmel Doherty
This limestone sculpture suggests a fish leaping out of water. Its position inside the fountain at the Maid of Erin roundabout in Ennis highlights this.
‘Memory of Meaning’ by Colin Grehan & Barry Wrafter
This piece celebrates Clare’s win in the All-Ireland Hurling final of 1995. It consists of 3 over lifesize stones.
‘Four Minds’ by Diarmuid O’Twohighk
‘Four Minds’ combines Christian and early Greek philosophies, with each head representing a different idea. Head 1 shows Care, head 2, tranquility and harmony, head 3, anxiety or angst, head 4, sensuality and totality of being.
‘Dreamboat’ by Fiona Dwyer
This piece is carved from Kilkenny limestone and consists of a boat with a cross above it. There are little drawings carved into the stone – a star map, a dress, a heart – and everyone can interpret the symbols in their own way.
‘Embrace Nature’ by Shane Gilmore
This limestone sculpture shows the relationship between mankind and nature. It was Shane’s first attempt at stone carving. See if you can spot a frog, a fish, an otter and a bird.
‘Sleepy Head – Helping Hands’ by Shane Gilmore
These two limestone pieces in Parnell St. Car Park were created in 1998 by Shane Gilmore and his assistant David McNamara. He believes that they symbolise the laid back and friendly side of life in Ennis.
‘Clara’ by Carmel Doherty
On the corner of Bindon Street, we find ‘Clara – a limestone lady reclining gracefully and resting on her elbows. As with a ‘Fish Tale’, Carmel has worked hard with diamond-tipped tools to achieve a smooth, glossy finish on this sculpture.
‘Trinity’ by Diarmuid O’Twohighk & Marcel Twohighk.
‘Trinity’, a triangular piece, is situated beside the Club Bridge in Ennis. Each of the three corners is formed into a human figure, but each head features some animal elements. The sculptors seeks to express the bond between nature and man.
‘Contentment is Wealth’ by Fiona O’Dwyer
‘Contentment is Wealth’ is the title given by Fiona O’Dwyer to her due of pieces in O’Connell Square in Ennis. It is the name of a traditional Irish tune. One of the sculptures is a fiddler playing his fiddle, while the other is a chair, where one can relax and listen to the imaginary music.
‘Wooden Sculpture’ by Rory McNamara
Celtic Rest, date of completion 2004. Contemporary shaped chair constructed of oak and limestone.
‘Weathered Woman’ by Jose Croft
This limestone lady in Barrack Street, Ennis represents all of us ‘weathered’ by life. She is the final stop on the Seated Sculpture trail and provides a spot where one can sit, read or just relax. Jose Croft was educated in Australia. She finds great inspiration in Ireland’s rich heritage of ancient stonework.
‘Hands’ by Shane Gilmore
Date of completion 2008. Hands giving praise outside the Cathedral.
