About Ennis and the Clare area

About Ennis and the County of Clare

Ennis is the county town of Clare. Ennis has a population 25,360 people. It is the 6th largest town in Ireland. Ennis is the 11th largest urban Centre in the country.The name Ennis comes from the Irish word "Inis", meaning "island". Ennis was named by the Project of Public Spaces as " One of the World's top 60 places to visit". Ennis annually holds the Fleadh Nua at the end of May, the 2nd biggest traditional music festival in Ireland. It also holds the Trad Fest.Ennis has the Glor theatre, the West of Ireland's premier event venue for music, drama, comedy, film, exhibitions and workshops. It is described as being "friendly, fun, a perfect base for touring, a quaint town with unusual shops, award winning restaurants and bars, pebbled streets and something to do all year round". 
 
Clare is situated on the West Coast of Ireland in the province of Munster.It is bordered by Galway, Tipperary and Limerick. It is the 7th largest of Ireland's counties and 19th in terms of population. Its main towns are Ennis, Kilrush and Shannon.The current population of County Clare stands at 110,950 persons  (2011 census).The County is recognised as having some of the most exceptional natural environments in Ireland, such as the Burren, the Coastline and Lough Derg.Clare has a large number of beaches and coastal amenity areas. 7 beaches in Clare were awarded blue flag status including Kilkee, White Strand in Miltown Malbay, Ballycuggeran in Killaloe, Cappa Pier in Kilrush, Mountshannon, Fanore in Ballyvaughan and Lahinch. 
 
County Clare contains The Burren, a unique karst region, which contains rare flowers and fauna.The Cliffs of Moher was nominated as one of the wonders of the world and a place where a lot of famous celebrities have shot their music videos etc.Clare holds the Willie Clancy traditional music festival annually and the famous Matchmaker Festival. Famous musicians from Clare include Sharon Shannon and The Kilfenoria Ceili Band. It also boasts a large about of literary luminaries and Clare holds a lot of Literary events and festivals. GAA is very important to Co. Clare's heritage, with Michael Cusack hailing from Carron, Clare.Clare is one of the richest places for megalithic tombs. It is well renowned for its culture, particularly traditional Irish music and dance. Loophead recently nominated as one of the best tourist destinations to holiday in Ireland is also located in Clare.