Oakley House B&B

Things to do in Clare

Ennis

As the capital of Co. Clare, a picturesque and historic market town taking it’s name from “Inis” which is the Irish name for island. The town dates back to the 11th Century and was formed between two streams on the river Fergus when the O’Briens, Kings of Thomond, invited the Franciscans to establish a settlement within their domain in 1240.

Ennis and County Clare are world famous as the home of Traditional Irish Music with music festivals all year round, and traditional music sessions nightly throughout the town and county.

The town’s history along with modern influences represents a pleasant blend of the historic past and active present. It’s narrow bustling streets and lanes give character and ambiance to the town confirming that it is indeed somewhere very special.

It has a rich heritage tradition with some of the finest monuments, buildings and waterways. The town has held a strong presence every year in the All Ireland Tidiest Town Awards and won Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre 2012.

Visitors to Ennis can expect to experience unique and diverse boutiques, shops, cafes, and restaurant’s. It is a tourist centre of major importance and the ideal holiday location for exploring County Clare’s many other attractions.

Wild Atlantic Way

Ennis, Ireland’s Friendliest Town offers the ideal base from which to explore the mid-west region of Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way. From Oakley House Bed and Breakfast you can embark on a breath-taking coastal tour and experience the magnificent seascapes of Clare.

Explore the Signature Viewing Points of the Wild Atlantic Way along with many other points of interest along the way:

• Killimer - Tarbert Ferry
• Ferry to Scattery Island
• Carrigaholt Bay
• Loop Heap
• Bridges of Ross
• Kilkee Cliffs
• White Strand, Doonbeg
• Mutton Island View
• Spanish Point
• Lahinch Beach
• Liscannor Bay View
• Cliffs of Moher
• Doolin Port
• Fanore Beach
• Black Head
• Ballyvaughan Pier
• Flaggy Shore

Route Suggestions

Clare's Atlantic Coastline Drive

South around Black Head, Fanore Beach, Doolin, Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch and Spanish Point beaches, town of Kilkee. Route can begin and end in Ennis by making for Ballyvaughan and returning from Kilkee.

Burren Beauty Drive

Encircles the Burren including the Atlantic Coast Starts at Kilfenora, Coastal stretch includes Lisdoonvarna, Fanore, Black Head, Ballyvaughan and Carran.