3.
Ennis is situated on the River Fergus just north of where it flows
into the Shannon Estuary. It lies north of Limerick and south of
Galway.
The town takes its name from “Inis” meaning an island which
was formed between two streams of the River Fergus and on
which the foundations of the Franciscan Abbey were laid.
4. HISTORY
The past of Ennis is greatly associated with the O Brien family.
During the 12th century the O Briens who were Kings of
Thomond, left their seat of power in Limerick and built a royal
residence on the then island.
During 1240 King Donnchadh O Brien ordered the construction
of an extensive church grounds which he later donated to the
recently arrived monks the followers of St. Francis.
Clare became a county under rule of Elizabeth I and Ennis was
chosen as its capital because of its central location and
because of the great influence of the Earls of Thomond.
Ennis got a grant to hold fairs and markets in 1810.
5. THE TOWN CENTRE
The town centre consists of medieval narrow streets and lane
ways which are overshadowed by simple elegant structures
built over the last 100 years.
One of the main streets Parnell Street has been pedestrianized,
while the others O Connell Street, Bindon Street and Abbey
Street have a one way traffic system.
7. CULTURE
Ennis is a stronghold of traditional music with many musicians
living here and regularly play locally
The Ennis Book Club Festival in association with Clare County
Library runs annually on the first weekend in March.
Glor theatre is a concert and event venue located in the town.
8. SPORTS AND LEISURE
Cusack Park is the main county Gaelic Athletic Association
(GAA) playing ground, it is situated in the town centre.
Ennis has numerous sports clubs (Soccer, GAA, Rugby) that
play in various leagues from schoolboys to senior.
There are many sports facilities in Ennis, Lees Road, The Fair
Green, which also has a childrens playground. Ennis Leisure
Centre has a fully equipped gym with 25m pool.
9. TIDY TOWN
In 2012 and 2013 Ennis won the Irish Tidy Towns Competition in
the Large Urban Centre Category,
