Private Ennis Dark History Tour with Dr Jane O'Brien (1-6 people)
Description
This is a private tour of Ennis with local expert Dr Jane O'Brien. 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. Co. Clare is rich 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 stories 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 anyone who enjoys reliving the experience of our dark past.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Starting at one of the town's oldest and most haunted buildings, the Old Ground Hotel encorporates a 1500's medieval towerhouse with a story to tell!
The old Gallows Green - hanging was one of many of the town's old punishments.
We explore this site of the old Ennis graveyard and stories from its past!
The old markets were not always peaceful affairs - we explore the tensions that could sometimes lead to what were known as the market murders!
We head down one of Ennis's bow-ways to explore how a town like Ennis was effected by poverty and famine, and the spirits from that time that still haunt these old laneways.
We recreate the sights (and smells!) of old Ennis brought to life through the narrow streets and old shopfronts of the town.
This busy heart of Ennis was also once the site for the witchcraft trial of the infamous wise woman of Clare, Biddy Early!
Stories from the old Ennis orphanage and industrial school are brought to life with a tragic tale.
The old causeway of the town, once the location of a sighting of the banshee and death coach - figures from Irish folklore and mythodology that remained in strong belief into the 20th century in Ennis.
The 13th century Ennis Abbey is the foundations of the town, and home to many of the towns past residents, including the local ghost!
We end the tour at the top of Abbey St beside the O'Connell monument, our memorable exploration of the darker side of the town's history allowing us see it through new eyes.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Reviews(14)
Her knowledge and enthusiasm were wonderful. Our whole family enjoyed our experience and my teenagers will remember some of her stories.
We had a wonderful walking tour through Ennis! Jane was very friendly and full of interesting stories about the town of Ennis, where we were staying for a week.
Jane brought the history of Ennis and Ireland to life as she led us around the streets of the town. She shared her wealth of knowledge and insight with humor and enthusiasm. We highly recommend this tour.
Awesome overview of the history of Ennis. Jane was very knowledgeable and provided great insight into the long history of the town.
We went on a tour with Jane in 18th October 2024. The tour was interesting, informative and fun. Jane was very knowledgeable and kept us engaged throughout the tour. Who knew Ennis had such an interesting, dark history. I would highly recommend this tour.
Jane provided an in-depth as well as entertaining tour of Ennis. Our group of 8-10 had a enjoyable time around the downtown area with Jane stopping us at particularly historical locations. Her extensive knowledge of Irish history woven in with Ennis history was particularly important. Any visitor to Ennis would benefit from taking this tour!
Dr. Jane was incredible! Her story telling style had us hanging on her every word. It was a cool, windy and rainy night that just added to the dramatic effect. The stories of the time were so interesting, I've a list of tabs open searching for more stories already. Was well worth the money and the rain, would absolutely do more tours with her if I had the opportunity.
Our tour was with Dr Jane O'Brien. She was very engaging. She shared some interesting stories about Ennis and some of the residents from many years past. We truly enjoyed the walk around the town with Jane. She has an obvious love for Ennis and Ireland that came out in her stories. I would recommend a tour with Jane if you find yourself in Ennis.
Jane was fabulous. A true professional with a great knowledge of Ennis. Highly recommend her. We started our tour in Ennis by meeting her and it was a great way to start our time in Ennis
We wholly enjoyed a leisurely morning's tour of Ennis with Jane O'Brien. Her erudite commentary avoided cliche and unpacked several fascinating aspects of the town's past. On a perfect Autumn morning, we had the pleasure of touring the busy market town, absorbing its atmosphere as we learned a little of the history of this place. Jane's tour comes highly recommended by us and you should certainly finish with lunch at the Rowan Tree restaurant, in the elegant surroundings of a former gentlemen's club - ask Jane to tell you some of its stories.
