Ennis Introduction
The market town of Ennis in County Clare is a seamless blend of the old and the new, having an identity hinged on a colourful past dating back to the 12th century, and on being Ireland's first and only Information Age Town. The River Fergus flows through Ennis, under medieval streets and lanes where some of Ireland's celebrated poets, playwrights and artists once lived. The town also boasts a long-lived music culture and becomes extra cheerful in May during the annual Fleadh Nua, Ireland's second largest traditional music festival.
Hotels in Ennis
Visitors to Ennis can choose from among 3- and 4-star hotels that the town has to offer. Some hotels exude a historic charm, having been converted from centuries-old manor houses or convents to feature modern amenities like premium TV channels, Wi-Fi and business centres. The more upscale Ennis hotels offer richly decorated guestrooms and sumptuous meals in on-site restaurants. A few have indoor swimming pools and give guests an extra pampering with spa services. You'll also find B&Bs and guesthouses here, with charming patios and manicured gardens that make perfect spots for an open-air breakfast.
Where to stay in Ennis
The centre of town is where you'll find most of the hotels in Ennis, just steps away from major landmarks. The pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with lovely shops specialising in Irish and international fashion, fine tableware, enticing antiques and unique Irish-made gift items, as well as charming cafes and restaurants offering traditional Irish and international fare. A couple of hotels close to the banks of the River Fergus can be found on Galway Road north of the town centre and within easy reach of music-filled pubs. Meanwhile, the eastern outskirts of Ennis are ideal if you're aiming for a relaxing getaway in the beautiful countryside.
Things to see in Ennis
You don't have to stray far from the town centre to see some of the most noteworthy attractions in Ennis. Go for a leisurely stroll on the Sculpture Trail along the Fergus River and you'll come across interesting pieces such as the
Daniel O'Connell Monument, which was designed and sculpted by John Henry Foley in the mid-1800s in honour of the political leader referred to as The Liberator. The
Ennis Cathedral, more formally known as the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, is a stately building whose construction in the mid-19th century was beset with much difficulty. An 1890s painting of the Ascension and a fine organ installed in the 1930s are some of the cathedral's main features. The ruins of the Franciscan Order's
Ennis Friary offer another fascinating insight into the town's religious past. Established in the mid-13th century, it survived the English Reformation and finally fell into ruin in the 1870s.
How to get to Ennis
There are several airports through which Ennis visitors can pass through, including Cork Airport and Knock Airport, which are both a 2-hour drive away. There's also Dublin Airport, about 2.5 hours away, where travellers can take luxury coaches to reach Ennis. Shannon Airport offers the easiest access, being only a 20-minute drive away. Airport rental cars are available and there are also taxis outside the terminal that can take you to Ennis. Alternatively, you could use Bus Éireann's services, which run from Shannon Airport to the Ennis bus station several times a day. Irish Rail also has a station in Ennis where you can board a train bound for other destinations in Ireland.
