Ennis Abbey

About this place

Ennis Friary (Irish: Mainistir na hInse; colloquially also known as Ennis Abbey) was a Franciscan friary in the town of Ennis, County Clare, Ireland. It was established in the middle of the 13th century by the ruling O'Brien dynasty who supported it for most of its existence. Following the suppression of the monasteries in the 16th century, the friary continued to function for a while despite the loss of its lands. In the early 17th century, the buildings were handed over to the Church of Ireland as a place of worship. It was used as such until the late 19th century. After the construction of a new Church of Ireland building, the friary fell into ruin. Managed by the Office of Public Works since the late 19th century, it was formally returned to the Franciscan Order in 1969. Today the friary remains in a ruined state but is open to the public. It is a National Monument of Ireland. The Franciscan friars have moved their community to a new friary and place of worship, the Gothic Revival Church of the Immaculate Conception, nearby.

Visitor Information

Admission

Paid

Opening hours

10:00-18:00; Nov 1-easter off

Heritage status

Protected Heritage Site

Getting There & Parking

Ennis Abbey is located in County Clare, roughly 40 km (35 min drive) from Limerick and 243 km (3h 35m) from Dublin. The nearest public car park is 58 m away (Paid). Nearby highlights within a short drive include Franciscan Friary (0.1 km away).