Introduction

Clare's charming commercial hub, Ennis (Inis), lies on the banks of the fast-moving River Fergus, which flows east, then south into the Shannon Estuary.

The town's medieval origins are recalled by its irregular, narrow streets, but the most important surviving historical site is Ennis Friary, founded in the 13th century by the O'Briens, kings of Thomond, who also built a castle here in the 13th century. Much of the wooden town went skywards in a 1249 fire, and Ennis was then razed by one of the O'Briens in 1306.

Today formal sights are few, but the town centre, with its narrow, pedestrian-friendly streets, is enjoyable to wander. Handily situated 23km north of Shannon Airport, it makes an ideal base for exploring the county: you can reach any part of Clare in under two hours from here.