Sights in Ennis
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Daniel O'Connell Monument
In the town centre, the Square, is a Daniel O'Connell Monument. His election to the British parliament by a huge majority in 1828 forced Britain to lift its bar on Catholic MPs and led to the Act of Catholic Emancipation a year later. The 'Great Liberator' stands on an extremely high column, so far above the rest of us you would hardly know he was there. Eamon de Valera was teachta Dála (TD; member of the Irish Parliament) for Clare from 1917 to 1959.
There is also a bronze statue of him near Ennis courthouse.
reviewed
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B
Ennis Friary
Just north of the Square is Ennis Friary. It was founded by Donnchadh Cairbreach O'Brien, king of Thomond, sometime between 1240 and 1249 and is a mix of structures dating between the 14th and 19th centuries. A new roof finally replaced one destroyed a mere 200 years ago. Although it pales against the ruins found elsewhere in Clare, it does have a graceful five-section window dating from the late 13th century, and a McMahon tomb (1460) with alabaster panels depicting scenes from the Passion.
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Clare Museum
Sharing the same building as the tourist office is this diverting little museum. The 'Riches of Clare' exhibition tells the story of Clare from 8000 years ago to the present day using original artefacts grouped into four themes: earth, power, faith and water. It also recounts the development of the submarine by Clare-born JP Holland, who's good for at least two of the themes.
reviewed
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C
The Square
The old town centre is on the Square, and the principal streets - O'Connell St, High St (becoming Parnell St), Bank Pl and Abbey St - radiate from there. There's been an effort to create some pedestrian quarters around Parnell St with mixed results. You can change money and use ATMs at various banks on the Square.
reviewed
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D
Weathered Woman Sculpture
Numerous modern sculptures can be found scattered around the centre. Works such as the Weathered Woman on Old Barrack St are both interesting and provide a handy place to sit. Get the Ennis Sculpture Trail map from the tourist office.
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Daniel O'Connell Bronze Statue
Daniel O'Connell's election to the British parliament by a huge majority in 1828 forced Britain to lift its bar on Catholic MPs and led to the Act of Catholic Emancipation a year later. There is also a monument of him in the Square.
reviewed
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E
Ennis Cathedral
The large but fairly mundane 1843 Cathedral is at the southern end of O'Connell St; it's spire is a useful landmark from afar.
reviewed
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Monuments & Sculptures
The town centre, the Square, features a Daniel O'Connell monument. His election to the British parliament by a huge majority in 1828 forced Britain to lift its bar on Catholic MPs and led to the Act of Catholic Emancipation a year later. The 'Great Liberator' stands on an extremely high column, so far above the rest of us you would hardly know he was there.
Eamon de Valera was the parliamentary representative for Clare from 1917 to 1959; a bronze statue of him stands near Ennis courthouse.
Numerous modern sculptures can be found scattered around the town centre. Works include the Weathered Woman on Old Barrack St, which is both interesting and provides a handy place to sit.…
reviewed
