Ennis Walking Tours
Winner of the 2010 FBD Clare Business Excellence Award for Best Tourism Initiative in Clare
Now in its 8th successfully year of business Ennis Walking Tours is an exciting tourism initiative which runs lively and entertaining guided walking tours through the winding streets of the medieval town of Ennis in Co Clare.
History and Legends
The experienced local guide leads you through the atmospheric winding streets and “bow-ways” of the town, while revealing the intriguing characters and stories that shaped its history. Hear about the mythology and legends of the town – from banshees to Biddy Early (the magical lady of Clare who was tried for witchcraft in Ennis). Hear tales of murders and hangings, famine and poverty, rebellions and riots and discover how the most powerful men from Irelands past – amongst them Daniel O’Connell, Eamon de Valera and Charles Stewart Parnell were closely linked to the town. There is an option to finish the tour in the comfortable setting of a local pub and learn more about Clare’s unique contribution to the traditional Irish music scene.
Gourmet Walking Tour
Ennis Walking Tours also offers a Gourmet Walking Tour of the town (“A Taste of Ennis”) which in addition to the fascinating history of the town also includes gourmet stops at local food producers, suppliers and markets to learn more about the wealth of local produce available including Clare Jam, Burren Smoked Salmon, Clare Farmhouse Cheeses, Chocolate and more. Also included is a visit to a local traditional music shop to explore the music and traditional instruments of the region. This tour gives a real flavour of the county!
Haunted History Tour
Come join us for fun and chills on a spine tingling journey as we unlock the secrets of medieval Ennis on this Haunted History Tour. Dark history, mythology, legends, ghosts and more are all explored as we make our way through the winding streets and bow-ways of the town. Discover the darker side of the towns past – the grime, crime and grim punishments. Hear about the mythology and legends of the town – from tales of the banshee and death coach to the witch Biddy Early and her magical blue bottle. Shiver at the story of the Mad Monk and his graveyard excavations. This spine chilling, nerve jangling journey will reveal the town in a whole new light!
Some reviews for Ennis Walking Tours …
Frommer’s Ireland
“Taking one of Jane O’Brien’s Ennis Walking Tours is unquestionably the best possible introduction to the town, its history, and some of its bizarre legends. Jane puts on a highly informative tour, peppering the official history with anecdotal tales that transform sleepy Ennis into a truly intriguing destination… I won’t give away the entire tour; suffice to say it’s fascinating ***.”
Let’s Go
“A walking tour of Ennis spices up a portrait of the town as it
was and as it is with local lore and political history. Jane O’Brien garners special praise for her gentle yet commanding presence and spirited stories.”
RyanAir Magazine
Named second after the Cliffs of Moher in the top six stops you should make in Irelands West.
“The best way to sample the towns history is to join one of Jane O’Brien’s walking tours, which are like a “Journey through time”. Described with great warmth and wit, Ennis’ colourful past is brought alive – peppered with tales of famine, poverty, murder and rebellion.”
Clare Champion
“Jane O’Brien is a natural. With her red hair and friendly personality, she must be a hit with the tourists.”
Winner of the 2010 FBD Clare Business Excellence Award for Best Tourism Initiative in Clare
Duration of the tours can be adapted to suit your needs but usually take approx 1hr and 10 mins.
A Journey Through Time