Ennis Walking Tour with a Local Expert

1.0 (one review) 1 h 45 min Free cancellation

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one review

1.0

Old_Abbey_Guiding — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

The old Ennis Franciscan Friary at Abbey street — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 1 h 45 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 14 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Western Tours and Tales

Ages: Adults (17–66 years) · Seniors (67–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Stops at O'Connell monument & 17th century Timber-frame house on Parnell street
Included: Key Historical landmarks, medieval laneways, hidden gems & stories. of Ennis
Included: Guided tour led by Qualified local Tourist guide
Included: Many Photo opportunities on route
Included: General Admission for this shared public walking Tour of Ennis medieval town.
Included: Stops outside 12th century Franciscan Abbey

Not included

Not included: Tea/Coffees Snacks not included but available locally for small fee.
Not included: Alcoholic Beverages

Itinerary

Stop 1

13 min

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

6 min

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.
Ennis Friary

17 min Admission included

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

Passing by

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

7 min

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

6 min

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

Passing by

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

8 min

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

5 min

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
Daniel O'Connell Monument

7 min

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

Passing by

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

Passing by

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 13

5 min

Our tour group now progress down Parnell street and stop to view the landmark McParland Building – This Jackobean style building is a notable structure with architectural and historical significance. !
Stop 14

5 min

As we continue on Abbey Street, we turn left at McInerney's shop and enter a Bow-way. These old laneways are unique to Ennis and were used in olden times to access to tenement houses at the back. Your guide stops to explain the history of these old laneways.
Stop 15

8 min

Our tour now turns into the curved Chapel Lane and arrive at old Catholic Church built in 1735. Many local people sought refuge in the Church during the during the Irish Famine of 1845-52 due to evictions.
Stop 16

Passing by

Experience the vibrant heart of Ennis where traders have gathered for centuries. Hear about the wild occurances during Market days here in the past . See the Market Sculptor (ref. part of Ennis sculptor trail )
SS Peter and Paul Cathedral

6 min

A stunning neo-Gothic cathedral with a striking presence in the town, built 1830 – 1870. Your guide will explain a little bit of the history of this iconic Cathedral. At this point we also recap on points on our Ennis tour and answer any group questions. Depending on time constraints, Tour may finish here.
Stop 18

5 min

If time allows , we approach the Old Ground Hotel and you guide will explain the long and varied history of this old building
Stop 19

Passing by

The guide will advise you that, after the town tour , take the opportunity to visit the Ennis Bookshop. It is one of the area's finest bookshops, which stocks many Clare-related publications.
Stop 20

6 min

In previous times this area was called Gallows Green or Hanging Street . In 17th c punishments for women in the form of ‘duckings ‘ for nagging’ and scoulding. See Sculptor of Weathered Woman .

Fairs were held on the Square area in Barrack St up to the 1640’s. A previously unknown medieval graveyard was discovered here during excavations in 2015 /2016
Clare Museum

Passing by

Towards end of the tout , your guide will suggest a visit to Clare Museum to see a restored black State-car owned by Ex-President, Eamon De Velara, and many other Clare artifacts of interest.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We meet at the small Courtyard between the Ennis Tourist Information office / Clare Museum and the Temple Gate Hotel.

End point

The tour ends at the grand 19th-century Ennis Cathedral and opposite the former 16th-century tower house.

Using your ticket

Please note you need to bring your Mobile/ Cell-phone or printed Ticket with you so we can confirm Tour booking.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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