Ennis Friary
Admire some exquisite Renaissance carvings
Site Closed
Admission
Adult : €5.00
Group/Senior : €4.00
Child/Student : €3.00
Family : €13.00
Ennis Friary
The O’Briens of Thomond, who once ruled much of north Munster, founded this medieval Franciscan friary. It grew quickly into a huge foundation, with 350 friars and a famed school of 600 pupils by 1375. It was the very last school of Catholic theology to survive the Reformation.
The building contains an exceptional wealth of fifteenth- and sixteenth-century sculptures carved in the local hard limestone, including one of St Francis himself displaying the stigmata. An arch between the nave and transept bears a remarkable image of Christ with his hands bound.
Don’t forget to visit the sacristy, an impressive structure with a ribbed, barrel-vaulted ceiling. Take especial note of the beautiful east window, with its five lancets, as it lights up the chancel.
Highlights

Gallery
Opening Times
2 April – 4 November Daily 10:00 – 18:00
Last admission 45 minutes before closing.
Average Length of Visit: 45 minutes
Notice
Access to the site is available for group bookings in the off-season by prior arrangement.
Contact
Abbey Street
Ennis
Co. Clare
V95 AN28
065 682 9100
ennisfriary@opw.ie
Facilities
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Wheelchair Accessible
Restrictions
- Limited Access
- Uneven walkways
Nearby sites to visit
Ennis Friary
Askeaton Castle
A ruined stronghold of the earls of Desmond
Approx. 27.3 km from Ennis Friary
Desmond Castle Adare
Discover a medieval masterpiece, built for defence
Approx. 33.8 km from Ennis Friary
Desmond Castle Newcastlewest
Where sounds of medieval revelry echo around the walls
Approx. 44.3 km from Ennis Friary
Social Guide
Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting Ennis Friary. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Ennis Friary.
Download the Social Guide