Most beautiful town in Ireland? ENNIS in COUNTY CLARE, you MUST visit this place - simply stunning!
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- Опубліковано 19 чер 2024
- I’m starting my walk around the middle of Abbey Street. There are so many brilliant looking shop fronts in this town, we’ll see quite a few of them on our walk. What I love about this place is its narrow streets, you can tell it’s a very old town.
A lot of work goes into these videos. You can now buy me a pint as a means of appreciation for my work on Naked Ireland, no obligation, obviously - only if you can afford it... I appreciate it. Cheers.
www.buymeacoffee.com/NakedIre...
We pass an amazing looking bar with period façade. The Dan O’Connell is named after one of the town’s most famous residents, indeed, one of Ireland most famous residents. Daniel O’Connell was a political leader in the first half of the 19th Century. He’s best known for securing Catholic Emancipation in 1829, which essentially was the removal of many of the restrictions on Catholics in Ireland. It was in Ennis where he won his British parliamentary seat on two occasions. Dubbed “the Liberator’ he galvanised the support of Irish Catholics in a non violent political movement.
We visit an interesting sculpture up in O’Connell Square. It’s by the sculptor Fiona O’Dwyer and is called ‘Contentment is wealth’. But it’s a little dwarfed by the O’Connell Monument on the other side of the square. You can see the importance O’Connell has in Irish history by how he’s remembered here in this town. Not to mention the numerous O’Connell streets that are up and down the country. The inscription tells us that: On this spot in 1828 Daniel O’Connell was returned MP. Remember for those viewing from outside Ireland, this is long long before Irish independence, and so we’re talking here about O’Connell being elected to the British parliament, incredible for an Irish Catholic.
Ennis has for a long time been a thriving market and commercial town. This is because its history lies in its monastic origins. So the town never had walls (like Galway for example) as it was a commercial centre and not a defensive location.
Now I wonder if you’re not from Ireland if you’ve heard a County Clare accent before? Have a listen to the builders in the video and see if you can understand what they’re saying. Anyway if you think you understood what they were talking about you can pop it in the comments below.
We arrive at the cathedral of St Peter and St Paul. Mass was first celebrated here in 1842 although the church didn’t get its pro-cathedral status until 1889.
Ennis is the county town and unsurprisingly the largest town in County Clare, in the west of Ireland. It’s therefore the 11th largest urban settlement in Ireland with a population of 30 thousand people. Historically the town principally dealt in textiles and clothing, corn and flour milling as well as the brewing of beer and the distillation of whisky - this is Ireland after all. The river would have been used to transport merchandise.
Another sculpture, this time entitled “Weathered Woman” by artist José Croft.
If you’re watching this video from Phoenix Arizona (I know I have a lot of American viewers), you’re probably already familiar with Ennis as it’s twinned with your town in the states. But as if one twinning was not enough, Ennis is additionally twinned with St Paul de Fenoulillet in the south of France and the towns of Clare in both South Australia and Michigan, again in the US. If you are watching from any of these twinned towns, let us know in the comments if your town is as beautiful as Ennis. I’m guessing it isn’t, but who knows?
We head towards Parnell Street - Charles Stewart Parnell, another Irish Patriot like Daniel O’Connell, and everywhere you look there are lovely shops.
Like Westport, that I visited in another video, Ennis has been named Ireland’s tidiest town on two occasions and has had the accolade of tidiest large urban centre on multiple occasions. And you can see in this video I think why it’s been so successful. By the way, the origin of the towns name of Ennis lies in its Irish equivalent Innis, meaning island. And as the town is sandwiched between two courses of the river Fergus, that’s why it was seen as an island. It isn’t, of course, an island in reality.
Finally we arrive at the Ennis Friary and it’s a pretty important place historically as you can imagine. The O’Brien clan, decendants of Brian Boru, built this. They left Limerick in the 12th Century to settle where Ennis is now, where they built a fort on the banks of the river. Franciscan Monks arrived here in 1240 and this Friary expanded into an important religious centre until its official closure in 1540 as a result of the Reformation and the dissolution of the monasteries. Nevertheless it survived that period and was in fact the last catholic school of theology to survive the Reformation, but alas it didn’t survive the impact of the Williamite conflict and closed completely in 1690. In its hayday in 1374 the Friary had 600 students and 350 Friars living here.
My mother was born in Ennis along with her 13 brothers and sisters. It was fascinating seeing the alleyways and bridges my mother would have used in her youth.
I’m so glad I could provide that little window into your Mother’s past for you. Perhaps you’ll get a chance to visit the town yourself?
Another glorious video! Thanks so very much. I couldn't get my card to work but we figured one out and it was sent, as promised. Enjoy a pint on us here in Oakwood, Illinois. Thanks again for everything! Never knew I wanted to go to Ennis but I do now!
A big go raibh maith agat to you Timothy. So kind of you to watch and comment, but buying me a pint is such a boost. Yes, you’ve gotta get to Ennis I think. It’s such a beautiful place.
Thank you so much for another beautiful and amazing video. They are always the highlight of my week. ❤❤😊😊
Awwww thank you so much. I’ll try to keep them coming.
G'day, I was pleasantly surprised when you mentioned the town of Clare in South Australia. I'm not from there but have been there many times, as I was raised in Adelaide South Australia. 141 km south of Clare. Clare is a beautiful town also. Very different to Ennis though the streets are about 4 times wider 😊. But it does have some beautiful old buildings also.
Anyway keep up the great work and see ya on the next one.
Thank you so much Pedro, and great to hear about Clare in South Australia, of which I know nothing I must admit. I’m assuming there’s lots of people with Irish ancestry there?
When South Australia was established as a State, there was a law banning the settlement of Irish people! Think on that!
Poor Irish, we certainly had a rough deal in the past. Though, I guess we had a certain reputation! But I guess lots of countries are talking about banning immigrants at the minute, so perhaps not much has changed?
Brilliant video one of your best and you certainly did the town justice! Great work keep them coming👍
Aww thanks so much Paul. Yes I put a lot of work into this. And thanks for the pint, much appreciated!! 😀
Ennis all dug up at moment
I know, you can see that in the video - but still beautiful, and hopefully even more beautiful when the work's finished?
I lved and worked in Ennis from 1999 to 2001. I loved every minute there. The meandering streets and alleyways indeed reminded me of small Mediterranean style villages. The people are friendly, the cafés and restaurants are good and the GAA and traditional Irish music are intrinsic to the wonderful County Clare. Lovely vid.
Many thanks William for your continued support. Yes, it’s a wonderful town indeed. I think I’d quite like to live there!
👍🙂
Thanks Eugene.
Lovely video
Many thanks Alex.
Ennis looks lovely and for some reason familiar, though I am pretty sure I have never been there. Has it been a film set? Certainly worth a visit one day 👍 Where next are you going for me? 😆
Next I’m off to Limerick. Hopefully the bigger towns are of interest to people.
@@nakedireland I have been to Limerick, I was stuck there off a bus so hired a car from Shannon Airport 😄. Did you go to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park? A great place.
Maby a past life.
déjà vu
@@nakedireland .Many lives, many masters.
I can see you took up my recommendation! Ennis is quality looking forward to this one👍
Indeed I did Paul, and I’m quite happy about how this came out. I shot it early morning and there was beautiful winter sun which cause lovely lens flare. Very beautiful town indeed.
@@nakedireland I feel in love with the town many years ago , got married in the cathedral and visit many times a year- keep up the great work!
oh wow, Ennis really is close to your heart!! Hope my video can live up to your expectations then!
I bought a bag of dulce from a lovely wee lady selling it from a big wicker basket in the market square in Ennis. That was back in 1980. Loved the experience, I always wanted to get back and paint it, in water colours. The river looked beautiful, and as you say, European. As you walk us through the streets, Im struck by its medieval lay out. Clean , bright, inviting. Great place. And I think the two tradies were saying " Wheres my Fick'n hammer?"..."I don't Fick'n Know!"
Ha ha, I think you translation is probably perfect! Thanks for your contribution as always, and who knows, maybe you’ll still make it back there for another visit?
Who knows🤔
It’s waiting for you in all its medieval glory!
You mentioned how you look out for Independent Book Shop's, Greg? Did you ever visit Book Worm in Derry? It was own by my wife's brother, before if closed down , due in part to the dominance of the big book chain stores. Just a thought.Cheers for the great walk!
No, not being from Derry i wasn’t familiar with that shop, but we’ve lost a lot of great wee places like that due to the larger chains moving in. It’s a shame really, but I guess if we don’t use these places they’ll go under.
Very informative Gregg. Like someone else said , makes us want to go there. Its very like Westport or Sligo. BTW what time of year did you go?
Thanks a lot. I’ve a feeling that was done towards the start of March believe it or not. I got lucky with the weather - it doesn’t always happen.
@@nakedireland One stupid question. How do I buy you a pint? OK if your PC savvy its easy but for dinosaurs we need so assistance please. TY
Ha ha, don’t worry, I’m digitally challenged myself, so I sympathise. If you go to the description below any of the films you should see a link (usually after the first paragraph). If you click on that it presumably takes you to a page where you can buy a pint. I’ve obviously never bought myself a pint, so never been through this process myself obviously, but hopefully if you find the link it should be easy. People do donate, so it does work. And thanks so much even for the thought, regardless of whether you’re successful! 🍺 cheers in anticipation!
Thanks - enjoyed! Can someone post if this major roadworks Ennis and Limerick City are complete - ruined my visits 2022? Another question - what happened to the engine from the West Clare Railway that used to be displayed near the train station? BTW, at train station, flyers for routes, buses, trains unavailable.
I’ve just checked and unfortunately road closures in Ennis town centre are due to continue until late Dec 2024, so it looks like it’ll continue all summer, which is hard to believe. It’s bound to put people off holidaying there! As for the Engine, I believe it’s been put back in use. From what I can gather the Slieve Callen now runs on the restored West Clare Raikway track for tourists. But I’m sure someone else can confirm that here. Thanks so much for watching.
@@nakedireland Many thanks!
It’s my pleasure, glad you enjoyed.
The british accent was a mistake,
Which British accent is that?
awful narrative, lovely town that is mine
Ha ha, what a unkind remark. I can’t believe you’re one of the nice west of Ireland people of Ennis, not possible. Is it really your town? Is it, really?
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Hi there, thanks so much for watching , I usually try and give some indication of the month (season at least) when I make the films. I don’t like to put specific dates on, as often people won’t watch videos that they feel are ‘old’. And it’s important the videos have a long life and can be enjoyed by people over many years. But thanks for the suggestion, I’ll keep it in mind each time I record, and I’ll try and give a closer indication of what point in the year each was shot. Very best.
I appreciate that - your videos are lovely if often dark (film noir) style. You make a real effort and I wish you well!
I’m so happy the style of the films appeals to you, they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but I just do what I find interesting. Thanks so much for your support.
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Many thanks for such a considered response - really appreciate it. Yes, I agree with you, but more about religion generally. I’m not in the business of pointing at one faith and saying this is bad and another is good. I think if we’re all honest, all organised religion is wanting at times, especially when it comes to respect for the people that they see as infidels, heretics or non believers. What a lot of religious belief systems lack is tolerance. You can pick and choose which system is more tolerant than the other, or which is more oppressive towards women etc, but from my own personal perspective I would choose not to bother with any of them. You’re right about some religions violating everything we hold as right in our own culture (which like all cultures though the years is changing and developing anyway all the time), however, that is why we have state law. Our country law demands that women are treated as equals and that must be enforced, regardless of what religion you belong too. If a woman wants to become a priest in the Catholic Church, for example, then she should be aloud do do that. The Catholic Church are an employer like anyone else. I realise of course there are greater crimes perpetrated against women in the name of religion that this, but I’m just bringing it all back home I guess. Many thanks again for watching and contributing.