The Haunted History Tour offers a unique insight into the towns dark and often mysterious past while the Gourmet Walking Tour marries the history of the town and Irish food with tastings of some of the wealth of local Clare produce available.
Haunted History Tour – 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. Of all the counties in Ireland Co. Clare is one of the richest 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 tales 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 group or corporate events or anyone who enjoys reliving the experience of our dark past.
Gourmet History Tour – Ennis Gourmet 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. Wild pigs once caused such a nuisance in the town that it was ordered that they be shot on sight! 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, Clare Jam, Chocolate and more.
Time & Distance
The Gourmet or Haunted History tours can be arranged for a weekday or weekend, day or evening. Tours normally take between 60 and 75 minutes to complete but this can easily be adapted to suit your schedule. We normally walk approx. one mile at a moderate walking pace, stopping at various points along the tour.
Meeting Point
The guide can arrange to meet the group at their accommodation in town or from outside the Ennis Tourist Office which is just off the main square in the centre of the town and beside a large bus parking area.
Additional Information
The tour consists of approx. 10 stops and will take in many of the major sights of the town of Ennis along the way including the O’Connell Monument, the old bow-ways, Old Abbey, Franciscan Friary, McParland Building, Chapel Lane church, the Market and much of the towns art and sculpture trail. Particular requests or customisation of the tour can also be accommodated. In addition the Gourmet Walking Tour will include a stop for food tastings.
Rain/Inclement Weather
Ennis Walking Tours generally presents tours rain or shine.
Cost
For private group rates please contact the owner/operator, Jane O’Brien.
Guide
Tours are run by the owner/operator of Ennis Walking Tours, Dr Jane O’Brien. An expert guide with a Masters in local history and a History PhD from the University of Galway, she has been running tours of Ennis since 2005 but it is also Janes storytelling skills that bring the vibrant past of the town alive for all who join her tours. Read more on your guide.
Amplification
For medium to large sized groups the guide uses a small microphone amplifier to ensure that all the group can hear clearly. Also all stopping points have plenty of room for the group to gather.
Wheelchair accessibility
The tour is wheelchair accessible – the route is mainly on flat ground with kerbstone dips available along the route.
Tips
Gratuities are always appreciated, but never expected.
Booking Policy
Gourmet and Haunted History Tours need to be prebooked by contacting us here, email info@enniswalkingtours.com or by phoning +353 (0)87 6483714
Cancellation Policy
Full refunds are available by request up until 24 hours prior to a walking tour. Cancellations with less than 24 hours prior to the tour or no shows will not be refunded.