Ennis Friary
Mainistir Inse
A 13th-century Franciscan friary ruin famous for its exquisite medieval stone carvings, located in the old town of Ennis, the county town of Clare.
Ennis Friary was founded in the 13th century by the O'Brien family, Kings of Thomond. At its height, it housed hundreds of friars and students, and it was an important centre of learning in medieval Ireland. The ruin is best known for its 15th-century stone carvings: the Crucifixion group on the MacMahon tomb, relief carvings of St Francis, and the finely crafted east window. It is managed by the Office of Public Works, offers guided tours in summer, and charges about €5 for entry. The friary sits in the old town of Ennis, where narrow streets are lined with traditional pubs, and live Irish traditional music is often played in the evenings. It is about 40 km from Limerick, roughly 40 minutes by train or bus.
Opening hours
Approx. Easter to October, 10:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Quin Abbey
- Knappogue Castle
- Craggaunowen
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum
- Curraghchase Forest Park
- Adare
- Thomond Park