Make Our Story, Yours
ABOUT ENNIS WALKING TOURS
Ennis Walking Tours began as an idea in 2003 when Jane O’Brien, while on honeymoon in New Orleans, took a walking tour and thought—why doesn’t Ennis have something like this? A lifelong history enthusiast, she knew the rich heritage of her hometown deserved to be shared. A couple of years later, after the birth of her first son, she turned that idea into reality, and the rest… is history!
Jane launched Ennis Walking Tours with a small tourism board grant and the tours grew from there – as a must-do experience for visitors. The tours have earned thousands of five-star reviews from guests worldwide, and over the years, they have received numerous awards, including the FBD Clare Business Excellence Award for Best Tourism Initiative in Clare, multiple TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Awards, and the title of Best Walking Tour Experience in the West of Ireland.
Where History is Felt and Lived
Jane’s passion for history deepened alongside her business. She completed a Master’s in Local History at the University of Limerick, excelling to the point of receiving a scholarship for a PhD in History at the University of Galway. Her academic training shapes her tours, as she brings history alive through the lens of human experience, emotions, and the senses. Inspired by the idea that to know people of the past you need to try to ‘borrow their glasses’ and ‘live their emotions’, Jane helps visitors feel the heartbeat of old Ennis—its struggles, triumphs, and everyday life.
Extending Our Experiences
Beyond the very popular Ennis Essential History Tour, Jane expanded her offerings to include the Ennis Dark History Tour and the Ennis Tasting History Tour, blending storytelling with sensory experiences. She is deeply involved in the local community, promoting the town’s music, art, history, and archaeology, and is passionate about introducing school groups to their local heritage. Her expertise has led to frequent media appearances and collaborations, including designing the Dromoland Living History Tour at the prestigious Dromoland Castle, where she has been the resident historian since 2021.
But at the heart of it all, Jane believes in connection—ensuring every visitor feels welcome and leaves with a deeper appreciation of Ennis. With her, history isn’t just told; it’s felt, experienced, and remembered. One thing is certain—on an Ennis Walking Tour, you won’t just hear about the past; you’ll step into it.