Hotels near Ennis, Ireland

A little about Ennis...

Ennis is the county town of Clare in Ireland. Situated on the River Fergus, it lies north of Limerick and south of Galway on the main N18 road connecting these two cities. Its name is a shortening of the original Inis Cluain Ramh Fhada ("Long Rowing Meadow Island").

2006 census indicates that Ennis had a population of 24,253 in 2006 making it the largest town in Munster and the sixth largest town in Ireland. It is the 10th largest urban centre in the country.

Ennis is an historically important market town. The market square today is still home to market stalls on each Saturday through the year, although the practice has steadily decreased over the past few decades.

The Town Centre consists of narrow streets and laneways dating back to medieval times, and many fine old buildings. Of the main thoroughfares, Parnell Street has been pedestrianised, while the others, O'Connell Street, Bindon Street and Abbey Street are one way. The Pro-Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul can also be found in the town.

Ennis has several major shopping centres and the Town Centre itself (consisting primarily of O'Connell, Parnell and Abbey Streets and the Market area) contains numerous shops, restaurants and pubs.

Transport: Ennis is served by both bus and rail links to all major cities and towns in Ireland.

Bus services are provided to Shannon Airport, Galway, Limerick, Cork, Dublin and all routes in between and run nearly every hour. Shannon Airport is 20 minutes from Ennis, providing daily flights to European and US destinations.

Education: Rice College, Ennis Community College, Colaiste Mhuire, St. Flannan's College, and Gaelcholaiste an Chláir.

Ennis is a stronghold of music of all types from rock to traditional, with many musicians living and regularly playing locally. The town is host each May to the annual Fleadh Nua, a traditional music festival and is home to the Glór Irish Music Centre, which hosts music concerts, comedy acts and plays.