Ennis

If you want to be in a clean city, then Ennis is the place to be. In fact, because of the tidiness of the place, it won the Irish Tidy Towns Competition held in 2005. But its clean surroundings are not the only reason why a lot of people visit Ennis. Visitors also frequent the city because of the following must – see sights.

• Clare Museum and Library – The museum houses the famed fountain pen used by Eamon de Valera and Neville Chamberlain when they signed the treaty that brought back the naval bases used by the British to the Irishmen.
• Ennis Friary – This friary is a national monument that is founded in 1241 and finished by the middle of 14th century. This structure is also known for its fine sculptures. One of the more popular pieces is that of St. Francis with stigmata.
• Fleadh Nua Festival – This festival is a celebration of traditional Irish music and dance. Sometimes, the city council also invites other performers from neighboring areas for more entertainment. If you want to catch this festival, you can plan your visit during the month of May.
• Bunratty Castle – The castle showcases two specific highlights namely:

1. Bunratty Folk Park – a museum on an open air field that features the tools and equipment used by the medieval Irish farmers.
2. Medieval Banquets in Ireland – held nightly for tourists, this banquet does not only aim to serve traditional food but it also includes poetry reading, singing of old ballads and playing of traditional Irish music.

• Craggaunowen Project – Built during the 16th century, this huge estate includes the famed Knappogue Castle. Today, this castle now serves as a museum that holds different religious and political artifacts and works of art which are both medieval and contemporary.
• Quin Abbey – This national monument is one of earliest church and most visited sites in Ennis. This place is special because the friary is said to have been built on the foundations of a castle that has been ruined previously. The location also houses tombstones of important people and priests from 15th to 19th century.