Historic Towns Initiative

Established in the 13th century when the O’Brien’s of Thomond built an Abbey on the banks of the River Fergus, Ennis has long thrived as a bustling market town and is famed for its narrow winding streets. Now designated trails of varying lengths allow walkers explore one of Ireland’s most historic towns. The Clare county capital is associated with pivotal moments in the careers of some of Ireland’s most famous political figures, including Charles Stewart Parnell, Daniel O’Connell and Eamon de Valera. The Historic Town Initiative in Ennis consists of four routes, which are marked by 126 colour-coded bilingual finger post signs. All routes commence and finishes outside the Clare Museum building in the Town Centre. There are forty-one interpretation boards erected at key locations in Ennis’ history, including O’Connell Square and Ennis Abbey, as well as the Cathedral, West Clare Railway, Workhouse, Causeway and Gaol.

All historical information has been researched and prepared by local historian and author Seán Spellissy, who was engaged by Ennis Town Council. The approach in the design and presentation of the interpretation boards is in scrapbook format using black and white photos as a central theme.

Launched in 2009 the project is being complemented in 2010 by the production of a colour booklet containing further information and photos relating to the town’s past. This booklet will be available free at tourist points around the town and for download from the council’s website www.ennistowncouncil.ie and the Ennis Tourism website www.visitennis.ie