Ennis Friary

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Ennis Friary 👋Welcome to the official page for Ennis Friary an OPW managed site. Please note we take last admission at 4:15 pm everyday.

This 13th century Franciscan friary, founded by the O'Briens, of Thomond who once ruled much of north Munster, has numerous 15th/16th century sculptures carved in the local hard limestone:

A carved image of St. Francis displaying the stigmata is evident in the nave. He carries a cross staff and wears the Franciscan habit. Under the south arch of the tower, an elaborate tracery canopy of the late 15th century was perhaps part of an ornate tomb. The corbels supporting this are carved on one side with a bishop and, on the other, the Virgin & Child. An arch between the nave and transept bears, in a niche, an image of "Ecce Home" or "Christ's Pity". His hands are bound and tokens of the crucifixion are arranged about. The magnificent east window, with its five tall, narrow lancets, lights the chancel. The visitor to Ennis Friary can also see the sacristy, an impressive structure with ribbed, barrel-vaulted ceiling. After the suppression of the monasteries the Friary became a venue for assize courts and the sacristy was used as a courtroom. Leading out from the sacristy is the cloister area where part of the arcade has been reconstructed.

✨Visiting Ennis? Discover one of Ireland’s hidden gems with a guided tour of Ennis Friary! ✨Located in the heart of Enni...
15/10/2026

✨Visiting Ennis? Discover one of Ireland’s hidden gems with a guided tour of Ennis Friary! ✨

Located in the heart of Ennis, this beautifully preserved Franciscan Friary dates back nearly 800 years. Founded by the powerful O’Brien clan, the Friary has a rich and varied past serving as a place of worship, a medieval school, a courthouse and even a jail.

Today, Ennis Friary invites visitors from around the world to explore its stunning architecture and admire some of Ireland’s finest 15th century stone carvings. It’s the perfect stop for history lovers and culture seekers.

Please note Ennis Friary is a seasonal heritage site. Our 2026 season will finish November 4th. We will reopen again March 2027.

📍 Just a short walk from Ennis town centre
🗓️ Guided tours available – perfect for individuals or groups
📞 Book now: 065 682 9100
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌍 Website: https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/ennis-friary/
✍Blog: ennisfriary.wordpress.com

Elegant Irish Tours Hidden Ireland Tours Holiday Ireland Tours Spirit of Ireland Executive Travel Trafalgar Travel Kara Tours Emerald Irish Tours Road Scholar Wild Atlantic Music Tours Visit Ennis

14/10/2026
🌳 Visitors from all over the world have come to visit us whilst researching their family tree🌳Curious if your Irish ance...
13/10/2026

🌳 Visitors from all over the world have come to visit us whilst researching their family tree🌳

Curious if your Irish ancestor is buried within the Ennis Friary grounds? At Ennis Friary heritage site we have 300+ memorials. All of these graves have been recorded and are available online through our Heritage Ireland profile.

Ennis Friary is a seasonal heritage site and is open to the public from March to early November. To check out our opening times or to view our grave recording transcripts see the link below 👇🏻
https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/ennis-friary/

Collette Rick Steves' Europe TAUCK Visit Clare Gate 1 Travel Dromoland Castle Hotel & Country Club Old Ground Hotel Temple Gate Hotel Clare Museum Clare Libraries

October events occurring around Ireland 🎃
09/10/2026

October events occurring around Ireland 🎃

This October, the Office of Public Works (OPW) invites visitors to discover the fascinating folklore, ancient traditions and mysterious stories associated with Ireland's historic sites.

A nationwide programme of Halloween events will bring our heritage to life through storytelling, guided tours, creative workshops and family activities.

Highlights include:
Cahir Castle – Discover the legend of the Banshee with historian Dr Gillian Kenny.
Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre – Celebrate Samhain with spooky activities in Kenagh, Co. Longford.
Rock of Cashel – Explore the site's darker history through ghostly storytelling.
Sligo Abbey – Discover traditional Halloween customs and creative activities.
Ennis Friary – Explore the historic graveyard and its stories.

These events offer opportunities to engage with Ireland's rich cultural heritage and discover the traditions that have shaped our modern Halloween celebrations.

Learn more: https://cutt.ly/iyQGW9fj
Explore the full programme at heritageireland.ie.


📸 Rock of Cashel - Courtesy Brian Morrison
Heritage Ireland Tourism Ireland Discover Ireland

📐Did you know that mathematics can be found all around us… even in a centuries old Franciscan Friary?📏Explore the fascin...
09/10/2026

📐Did you know that mathematics can be found all around us… even in a centuries old Franciscan Friary?📏

Explore the fascinating history, architecture, and features of Ennis Friary through our Mathematics Trails, which bring history and mathematics together in a fun, practical, learning experience.

Designed for 4th, 5th and 6th class and Junior Cycle students, the trails encourage students to investigate shapes, patterns, symmetry, measurement, area, volume and much more, using the building and its features as their classroom.

Choose the trail to suit your group:

➕One-hour Maths Trail: Shortened trails tailored for 4th, 5th and 6th class students and Junior Cycle groups, completed in one class period.
✖️Extended Maths Trail: A more comprehensive exploration, taking approximately two class periods to complete.

Try the Algebra Quizzes too! Put your mathematical skills to the test by cracking codes and solving puzzles inspired by the Friary.

Whether you are planning a school visit or exploring the Friary during a family trip, come and discover the mathematics hidden in this remarkable historic building!

To book a school group call 065 6829100 or email us at [email protected]

Coláiste Muire Ennis Holy Family Junior and Senior Schools Ennis Scoil Chríost Rí, Ennis, Co Clare Ennis Community College Ennis Educate Together St. Flannan's College Official Knockanean N.S

As of tomorrow, Ennis Friary's opening hours are due to revert back to our Winter opening times. We are open every day f...
07/10/2026

As of tomorrow, Ennis Friary's opening hours are due to revert back to our Winter opening times. We are open every day from 10:00 am with last admission at 4:15 pm.

Our 2026 season will end November 4th. To book a tour call 0656829100 or email [email protected]

📸Gary Collins

Visit Clare Old Ground Hotel Hotel Woodstock Temple Gate Hotel Treacys West County The Rine Dromoland Castle Hotel & Country Club Clare Museum Queens Venue Clare County Council Heritage Ireland OPW - Office of Public Works Clare Libraries

📚It's Clare Libraries History Week📖This week is about giving the public an opportunity to engage with the history of the...
07/10/2026

📚It's Clare Libraries History Week📖

This week is about giving the public an opportunity to engage with the history of the county. This year, we explored the history beyond the Friary walls, uncovering the buildings, monuments and laneways of Ennis and their deep connections with Ennis Friary Heritage Site

✍Why not check out our research so far through the link below.
https://ennisfriary.wordpress.com/2026/09/06/beyond-the-friary-walls/

📚Check out Clare Libraries History Week Programme 👇
https://clarelibraries.ie/localstudies/local-studies-and-archives-centre/history-programme/

Clare County Council Shannon Archaeological & Historical Society Quin Heritage Group Clare Roots Society Clare Museum

Thank you to all who attended our tour Sunday celebrating the Feast of St. Francis on the 800th anniversary of his passi...
06/10/2026

Thank you to all who attended our tour Sunday celebrating the Feast of St. Francis on the 800th anniversary of his passing 🐦

Clare County Council OPW - Office of Public Works Heritage Ireland Ennis Parish Franciscans Ireland Franciscan Vocations Ofm Ireland Visit Clare

🎃FREE Wednesday is tomorrow at Ennis Friary 🍂Come visit the burial place of the ancient kings of Clare! Self guide optio...
06/10/2026

🎃FREE Wednesday is tomorrow at Ennis Friary 🍂

Come visit the burial place of the ancient kings of Clare!
Self guide option available all day or join one of our two FREE tours at 12:00 and 3:00 pm.

Be sure to arrive 5 mins before each tour is due to begin.

📷 Last months FREE WEDNESDAY tour at Ennis Friary

Old Ground Hotel Temple Gate Hotel Clare County Council Visit Clare Clare Museum Ennis Parish Queens Venue Hotel Woodstock Falls Hotel & Spa Treacys West County OPW - Office of Public Works Heritage Ireland

Address

Abbey Street
Ennis
CLARE

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+353656829100

Website

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