Ennis Walking Tour with a Local Expert
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Experience the Heart of Ennis: A Walking Tour Like No Other! Step into the past and uncover the vibrant spirit of Ennis, the largest town in Munster. Our public walking tour is more than just history, it’s an adventure through time, culture and storytelling. Led by Irish tourism professional, Ger, this small-group experience offers an intimate look at one of Ireland’s most charming towns. Wander the winding medieval streets, where every corner holds a tale. Marvel at the stunning Ennis Cathedral, with its soaring architecture. Explore the 13th-century Ennis Friary, a relic of Ireland’s monastic past. Stand before the historic Courthouse and hear about dramatic trials of the past and stroll through the busy Market Square. For the 2026 season we again offer access to the old Ennis Friary. with an internal guided tour. This isn’t just a tour — it’s an invitation to feel the soul of Ennis! With plenty of time for photos, you’ll leave with memories as rich as the stories we share.
Your experience
Stop 1
We meet in the Square area which is shared by the Ennis Tourist Information Office and the Temple Gate Hotel. This courtyard is just off the main O'Connell Square in the center of town is close to a large parking area. We start our tour by giving you a brief overview of the tour schedule, various Points of Interest and buildings along the route and talk a little about Ennis's rich history. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to Tour start time.
Stop 2
Church of the Immaculate Conception in Francis St Ennis is a Roman Catholic Church belonging to the Franciscan Friars. This 'New' Friary in Ennis was built on Francis Street in 1856 and is a beautifully preserved medieval church . The church was completed and opened for worship on June 1892.
Stop 3
Local Abbey guide will give your group a brief tour of the Friary complex. Built in the 13th century by King Donnchadh O’Brien for the travelling Franciscan Friars, who setup an Abbey here. Abbey Street is named after the ancient Friary / Abbey.
Stop 4
Abbeyfield House was formally owned by Judge Patterson who sat in the Dublin Four Courts. It was later used as a Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) barracks.
Stop 5
Past the Club Bridge, we now take a short scenic walk along the edge wall of the River Fergus. Much fora, fauna and wildlife can be spotted here. This walk leads us to the Courthouse building.
Stop 6
This 'new' Court House dating from 1850 was erected on the Lifford Road, overlooking the river Fergus. It replaced an older building at the square (demolished in 1852). The building and is a gem of Ireland's built Heritage! A monument to former Irish President, Eamon DeVarera is located in front of this building.
Stop 7
Cruce House is the oldest surviving building in Ennis with large Chimney-stacks are relic from the past. Cruce House was owned by 17th century English settler and businessman, John Cruce. Today it houses Cruises Bar and Restaurant, which is part of the Queens' Hotel
Stop 8
At the Club Bridge, we can view the Centenary Sphere and other memorial that commemorates the 1916 Rising. Also from this vantage point, we can see the Gentleman’s Club across the River Fergus. Across river Gentleman’s Club for used for the benefit of local industrialists and the elite for training and socializing.
Stop 9
The Convent of the Sisters of Mercy founded in 1850 . The side gable has a Marble sculptor dedicated them. The Orphanage existed in previous times but Industrial Schools setup here in 1880
Stop 10
This open-space area at the top of O'Connell street is known as O'Connell Square. At this square formally stood the original Ennis Court House (demolished in 1852). A great statue of Daniel O’Connell now stands at the square here today. This tall Monument honors 'the Liberator', Daniel O’Connell. The famous Irish political leader, O’Connell was elected in 1828 standing for Catholic Emancipation following the repeal of the Penal Laws.
Stop 11
As we walk half way down O'Connell street, we come to Brogan’s public house and Maurer’s Jewellery shop which were originally one building! The building has a Jacobean chimney stack at the Cooke’s Lane side. There is a late 18th century archway at Brogan’s. Cooke’s Lane once had a theatre, a prison, a schoolhouse and a fever hospital at various times. There are jostle stones at the O’Connell St. end of Cooke’s Lane.
Stop 12
Cooke’s Lane once had a theatre, a prison, a schoolhouse and a fever hospital at various times. There are jostle stones at the O’Connell St. end of Cooke’s Lane.
What’s included
- Stops at O'Connell monument & 17th century Timber-frame house on Parnell street
- Key Historical landmarks, medieval laneways, hidden gems & stories. of Ennis
- Guided tour led by Qualified local Tourist guide
- Many Photo opportunities on route
- General Admission for this shared public walking Tour of Ennis medieval town.
- Stops outside 12th century Franciscan Abbey
Not included
- Tea/Coffees Snacks not included but available locally for small fee.
- Alcoholic beverages
Meeting and pickup
We meet at the small Courtyard between the Ennis Tourist Information office / Clare Museum and the Temple Gate Hotel.
Before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This Walking Tour is on flat surface, where most travelers can participate. It's also animal-friendly
- Weather in local region is generally quite mild. In unlikely event of Tour cancellation due to heavy rain or bad weather conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
- Not suitable for people with mobility impairments
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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