Private tour of Ennis with an experienced and award-winning local guide. Dr Jane O'Brien (PhD in history) has been running tours of Ennis since 2005 but it is Jane's storytelling skills that bring the vibrant past of the town alive for all who join her tours. You will explore the streets and laneways of Ennis while learning about the intriguing stories that shaped its history. Winner of the "2024 Best Walking Tour Experience" and guide for the Rick Steves Tours in Ennis, this tour explores the history, methodology, legends, ghosts, poverty, murders and more of this medieval town. Jane uses rich historical sources to recreate the drama and daily life of Ennis and its place in Irish history and her acclaimed tours provide a highly entertaining and thought-provoking experience. She also runs the Dark History Tour which provides an in-depth exploration of the darker side of the towns history, and the Gourmet History Tour - a combination of history and food with some local food tastings. 

Private Ennis Essential History Tour with Dr Jane O'Brien

Experience a journey through time on these award-winning guided walking tours through the winding streets of medieval Ennis! History, mythology, legends, ghosts, poverty, murders and more are all covered on the tour. Your expert guide and historian, Dr Jane O'Brien, will lead 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 were closely linked to the town. 

Public Ennis Walking Tour with Local Expert Dr Jane O'Brien

This is a private tour of Ennis with local expert Dr Jane O'Brien. Unlock the darker side of medieval Ennis on this Haunted History Tour. The towns chilling history, mythology, ghosts and more are all explored as we make our way through the atmospheric winding streets and bow-ways of the town. Co. Clare is rich in lore and legendary tales with many of the world's most famous supernatural characters and stories finding their roots in the tales told across the centuries by our ancestors. Hear about the mythology and legends of the town – from stories of the banshee and death coach to the witch Biddy Early and her magical blue bottle. Discover the secret side of the towns past – the grime, crime and grim punishments. From tales of the Mad Monk to graveyard excavations this unique tour will reveal the town in a whole new light. Popular with both adults and children alike this historically accurate tour is an ideal activity for anyone who enjoys reliving the experience of our dark past.

Private Ennis Dark History Tour with Dr Jane O'Brien (1-6 people)

Ennis Tasting History Tour is an entertaining and fascinating insight into the vibrant market town of Ennis, the history of Irish food and how food and attitudes towards it have shaped Irish society – this is an edible experience of the town's past and present with samplings along the way. Experience the ancient art of butter making; learn about the actual famine 'lumper' potato that caused such devastation for our ancestors; and explore the many innovative ways that local people used the wild produce of the shores and woodlands to supplement their diets. Get a chance to taste the real pigs 'blood pudding' traditionally made in the small farmhouses of the county, as well as the once infamous illegally distilled Poitín – the 'darling liquor' of the townsfolk. The tour will end with a stop at a local food supplier to taste and learn more about the wealth of fine local produce currently available including Clare Farmhouse Cheeses, Burren Smoked Salmon and more.

Private Ennis Tasting History Tour with Dr Jane O'Brien

Experience the Heart of Ennis: A Walking Tour Like No Other!

Step into the past and uncover the vibrant spirit of Ennis, the largest town in Munster. Our public walking tour is more than just history, it's an adventure through time, culture and storytelling. Led by a passionate Irish tourism professional, this small-group experience offers an intimate look at one of Ireland's most charming towns.

Wander the winding medieval streets, where every corner holds a tale. Marvel at the stunning Ennis Cathedral, with its soaring architecture. Explore the 13th-century Ennis Friary, a relic of Ireland's monastic past. Stand before the historic Courthouse and hear about dramatic trials of the past and stroll through the busy Market Square.

For the 2025 season we're including a short Guided visit to the old Ennis Friary. This isn't just a tour — it's an invitation to feel the soul of Ennis! With plenty of time for photos, you'll leave with memories as rich as the stories we share.



Historical Tours in Ennis

Private Ennis Essential History Tour with Dr Jane O'Brien

Public Ennis Walking Tour with Local Expert Dr Jane O'Brien

Private Ennis Dark History Tour with Dr Jane O'Brien (1-6 people)

Private Ennis Tasting History Tour with Dr Jane O'Brien

Ennis Walking Tour with local Guide Ger Considine