Ennis Friary

Ennis Friary 👋Welcome to the official page for Ennis Friary an OPW managed site. Please note we take last admission at 5:15 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.

Did you know that individuals with disabilities and their accompanying carers can enjoy FREE ENTRY to all OPW heritage s...
19/06/2026

Did you know that individuals with disabilities and their accompanying carers can enjoy FREE ENTRY to all OPW heritage sites where an admission fee applies?

✨ We also accept JAM Cards! ✨

Find out more about Ennis Friary's accessibility here 👇
https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/ennis-friary/

Please also see our Social guide 👇
https://heritageireland.ie/assets/uploads/2020/11/ennis-friary-social-guide.pdf

For more information👇
https://heritageireland.ie/visit/accessibility/ #:~:text=We%20offer%20free%20entry%20for,on%20their%20individual%20web%20pages.

Ennis Friary is open everyday from 10:00 am with last admission at 5:15 pm. For any queries please 📞 0656829100 or ✉️ [email protected].

📸 Gary Collins

Heritage Ireland OPW - Office of Public Works Visit Clare Corlann Ireland Elevation, Corlann, Ennis St. Anne's School Ennis NOW Group Clare County Council

We’re delighted to see research by two of our Ennis Friary Guides featured in this year’s Clare Association Annual. Thes...
16/06/2026

We’re delighted to see research by two of our Ennis Friary Guides featured in this year’s Clare Association Annual. These articles are part of our 2024 Unmanned Historic Sites of Co. Clare project, which explores the rich history and heritage of unguided heritage sites within the region.

To read more from our Unmanned Sites series, follow the link below 👇
https://ennisfriary.wordpress.com/2024/10/08/unmanned-historic-sites-of-co-clare/

Clare Association Dublin OPW - Office of Public Works Heritage Ireland Archaeology Ireland Clare Museum Clare Libraries Clare County Council Visit Clare Clare Roots Society Shannon Archaeological & Historical Society Quilty Action GROUP Sixmilebridge Historical Society National Monuments Service - Archaeology Quin Heritage Group Clare Arts Office glór

✨ISL Tour Scattery Island Visitor Centre✨👇👇👇
14/06/2026

✨ISL Tour Scattery Island Visitor Centre✨

👇👇👇

Thursday, 25 June 2026, 11.00am

Scattery Island Tours
Ennis Friary
Visit Clare
Heritage Ireland
OPW - Office of Public Works
Irish Deaf Society
Clare County Council
Clare Arts Office
Kilrush Town
Kilrush and District Historical Society
Kilrush Tidy Towns
Kilkee Civic Trust
The Clare Echo

Visiting Ennis? Discover the rich history and timeless beauty of Ennis Friary 🇮🇪✨Located in the heart of Ennis, this bea...
11/06/2026

Visiting Ennis? Discover the rich history and timeless beauty of Ennis Friary 🇮🇪✨

Located in the heart of Ennis, this beautifully preserved Franciscan Friary has stood for nearly 800 years. Founded by the famous O’Brien clan, the Friary has played many roles throughout history, from a place of worship and learning to a courthouse and even a jail.

Today, Ennis Friary welcomes visitors from across the globe to explore its impressive architecture and admire some of Ireland’s finest medieval stone carvings. Whether you’re passionate about history, culture, or heritage, it’s a truly unforgettable experience.

📍 Just a short walk from Ennis town centre
🗓️ Guided tours available for individuals and groups
📞 065 682 9100
📧 [email protected]

🌍 https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/ennis-friary/
✍️ ennisfriary.wordpress.com

CIE Tours JJ Kavanagh & Sons Emerald Irish Tours Holiday Ireland Tours Go Irish Tours TAUCK Rick Steves' Europe Ole Irlanda Tours Collette Abbey Travel

🌞 Looking to start the Summer right?😎Why not purchase an OPW Heritage Card at Ennis Friary?!With an OPW Heritage Card, y...
08/06/2026

🌞 Looking to start the Summer right?😎
Why not purchase an OPW Heritage Card at Ennis Friary?!

With an OPW Heritage Card, you gain UNLIMITED ACCESS to OPW managed historic sites and visitor attractions for 1 year!!!

How much does it cost?
👩Adult: €40.00
👴Senior (aged 60 years or over): €30.00
👩‍🎓Student (with Valid ID): €10.00
👫👶Family (2 adults and 5 children aged 12 to 18): €90.00
👧Child aged between 12-18: €10.00
👦Children under 12 GO FREE!!!

To find out more please see the link below 👇
https://heritageireland.ie/visit/heritage-card/

OPW - Office of Public Works Heritage Ireland National Built Heritage Service e National Monuments Service - Archaeology Fáilte Ireland Visit Clare Clare County Council

✨FREE Wednesday is tomorrow at Ennis Friary ✨We are running 2 FREE Tours at 12:00 and 3:00 pm🏃‍♀️Be sure to arrive 5 min...
02/06/2026

✨FREE Wednesday is tomorrow at Ennis Friary ✨

We are running 2 FREE Tours at 12:00 and 3:00 pm🏃‍♀️
Be sure to arrive 5 mins before each tour is due to begin ⏱️

On the first Wednesday of each month, many OPW Heritage Sites offer Free Admission to independent/individual visitors and families. A list of participating sites can be found through the link 👇
https://heritageireland.ie/visit/free-wednesday/

📷 One of our guides giving a tour during a previous FREE Wednesday at Ennis Friary

Old Ground Hotel Temple Gate Hotel Auburn Lodge 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

🌟This Wednesday is FREE🌟Join us from 10:00am – 6:00pm (last admission at 5:15pm) and discover one of Ennis’ most histori...
01/06/2026

🌟This Wednesday is FREE🌟

Join us from 10:00am – 6:00pm (last admission at 5:15pm) and discover one of Ennis’ most historic landmarks for FREE!

Take a leisurely stroll around Ennis’ oldest building or enjoy one of our FREE guided tours at:
🕛 12:00pm
🕒 3:00pm

📸 Gary Collins

Visit Clare OPW - Office of Public Works Heritage Ireland Clare County Council Clare Museum Clare Libraries Ennis Parish Shannon Archaeological & Historical Society Clare Roots Society Sixmilebridge Historical Society Quilty Action GROUP Quin Heritage Group Clare Association Dublin Clare Arts Office

🌞We are OPEN today and running two tours at 12 and 3pm 🌞Opening hrs: 10:00 am (last admission at 5:15 pm).Be sure to tak...
01/06/2026

🌞We are OPEN today and running two tours at 12 and 3pm 🌞

Opening hrs: 10:00 am (last admission at 5:15 pm).

Be sure to take your chance at exploring Ennis' oldest building ☺️

OPW - Office of Public Works Heritage Ireland National Monuments Service - Archaeology Visit Clare Clare County Council Ennis Parish Clare Association Dublin Quin Heritage Group Quilty Action GROUP Shannon Archaeological & Historical Society Sixmilebridge Historical Society

💛We are open this Bank Holiday Weekend!💙Wander around Ennis’ oldest building and take in its 15th century carvings.On Ba...
29/05/2026

💛We are open this Bank Holiday Weekend!💙

Wander around Ennis’ oldest building and take in its 15th century carvings.

On Bank Holiday Monday we will have a tour at 12 & 3pm.

👉 Admission fees:
€5.00 adult
€4.00 senior
€3.00 student
€13.00 family
👶Under 12s go FREE!

We are open EVERYDAY from 10:00 - 18:00. Last admission to the site is 17:15.

📸 Gary Collins

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

✍️This Poetry Day, we're celebrating with a beautiful poem by one of our former colleagues, Mary Kearns✍️Poetry Ireland ...
28/05/2026

✍️This Poetry Day, we're celebrating with a beautiful poem by one of our former colleagues, Mary Kearns✍️

Poetry Ireland / Éigse Éireann Visit Clare Clare Arts Office Clare Museum Clare Libraries OPW - Office of Public Works Heritage Ireland

Address

Abbey Street
Ennis
CLARE

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+353656829100

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