Things to do 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.
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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.
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Cois na hAbhna
This pilgrimage point for traditional music and culture is housed in a custom-built pentagonal hall 1.5km north of town along the N18. It has frequent performances and a full range of classes in dance and music. The archive is a resource centre and a library of Irish traditional music, song, dance and folklore relating mainly to County Clare; books and recordings are on sale.
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Glór
Clare's cultural centre is in a striking modern building. Art, traditional music, theatre, dance, photography and film are some of the programs offered.
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Town Hall Cafe
Adjacent to, and affiliated with, the Old Ground Hotel, this excellent bistro is in the stylishly resurrected old town hall. High ceilings allow large artwork, while the spare settings don't compete with the food on the ever-changing modern Irish menu. Look for local ingredients, especially seafood, taking front and centre stage.
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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.
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Zucchini
The vivid-red front tells you that this place is a standout. The ever-changing menu is ambitious: look for interesting options like local oysters baked with rocket and roasted halibut with saffron. Everything is sourced locally and you'll enjoy handmade breads and desserts plus seafood caught offshore.
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Knox's Pub
Knox's gives it all its got if you're looking for chart sounds, DJs riffing, full-on football megascreen action and a raucous crowd. Mr Knox, the original coffee, wine and spirits merchant, is no doubt spinning in his grave to the beat of the music. It's open late past midnight.
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Numero Uno Pizzeria
You expect the wine to come in bottles covered with straw at this timeless pizza and pasta joint. The pies are thin and loaded up with traditional ingredients. The pastas are hearty and filling. Watch half of Ennis pop in for a pizza-to-go from the dining area.
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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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Library Bar
Trendy bar/club with a small patio sheltered by shrubs where you can text your crew to come join you. A few books really are placed around the edgy, moody interior, with lots of primary-colour backlights behind the bar. Open till 2am at weekends.
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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.
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Tierney’s Cycles & Fishing
Tierney’s Cycles & Fishing has well-maintained mountain bikes costing €20/80 per day/week to hire, including helmet, lock and repair kit. Staff will recommend routes where trucks are less likely to squash you.
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Kasturi
Indian cuisine is excellent at this most accommodating of restaurants. The staff are gracious, constantly serving the large dining room with a mannered feel. Classics such as tandoori chicken are two cuts above the norm.
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Ennis Gourmet Store
Enjoy a warm drink from the full coffee and tea bar at one of this little gem’s outside tables. There’s a range of soups, sandwiches and hot specials plus a deli case of Irish cheeses, preserves, good wines and more.
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Brogan's
The peas at this popular old pub are always well cooked, and the supply of spuds never-ending. Standards like roasts get top billing along with steaks and an imposing beer-battered cod. The seafood chowder is loaded with smoked fish.
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Custy's Music Shop
A must stop for Irish music, instruments like fiddles, other musical items and general info about the local scene. Has a shop on the web as well.
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Cafe Aroma
Spread over three levels, this popular spot always bustles with locals grabbing a freshly made sandwich (try the bacon, avocado and garlic spread wonder) or settling back for something more substantial.
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Cíaran's Bar
Slip into this small place by day and you can be just another geezer pondering a pint. At night there's usually trad music. Bet you wish you had a copy of the Guinness mural out front!
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Ennis Town Centre Mall
Ennis has the best shopping in the county; stock up on essentials in the vast Ennis Town Centre Mall with its Dunnes Stores just behind O'Connell St. Look for a discreet passage in.
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Cruise's Pub
This friendly bar has a long side courtyard that's perfect for enjoying a fresh-air pint in the shadow of the old friary. There are trad music sessions most nights from 9.30pm.
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Brandon’s Bar
This place still holds its own for trad sessions, on Monday nights especially (from about 9.30pm). Brandon’s also stages other live music, including blues and rock.
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Puccino's
This tiny nook on the main drag has a full coffee bar and blends up fresh fruit smoothies and juices that may help digest that lump of black pudding from breakfast.
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Charlie Stewart
Burgers, nachos, pastas and other bar foods flesh out the long menu of popular choices at this big, open pub. The kitchen closes ahead of live rock some nights.
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