Ennis Friary
Medieval Franciscan friary in the centre of Ennis with carved medieval sculptures and a small exhibition.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Ennis Friary was founded by the O’Briens of Thomond as a Franciscan house in the centre of the town. By 1375 it is said to have housed about 350 friars and a school of 600 pupils, and it became the last Catholic school of theology in Ireland to survive the Reformation.
The surviving buildings are mainly from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. They include limestone sculptures such as a figure of Saint Francis showing the stigmata and an arch with an image of the bound Christ, a ribbed barrel-vaulted sacristy and an east window of five lancets.
The friary is now a national monument run by the Office of Public Works. Heritage Ireland lists an exhibition and guided tours among its facilities.
Highlights
- Medieval Franciscan friary founded by the O’Briens of Thomond
- Carved limestone sculptures including Saint Francis with the stigmata
- Ribbed barrel-vaulted sacristy and five-light east window
- Exhibition and guided tours
Permanent exhibition
- Ennis Friary – A visit to the medieval friary with its carved sculptures and an exhibition on its history.
- Operated by
- Office of Public Works (OPW) – Heritage Ireland
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Seniors and groups |
| Children & teens | €3Child or student rate. |
| Seniors | €4 |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Visitors with disabilities and their carers enter free at Heritage Ireland sites that charge admission. |
| Students & apprentices | €3Child or student rate. |
| Groups | €4 per personGroup rate per person. |
| Families | €13 |
Free admission: First Wednesday of each month (Heritage Ireland Free Wednesday; first come, first served, no online booking).
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Heritage Ireland lists wheelchair access but also limited access and uneven walkways. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Kids & families
| Family ticket | €13 |
|---|
A family ticket and a child rate are available.
Getting there & parking
The friary is in the centre of Ennis on Abbey Street.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Heritage Ireland lists guided tours and an exhibition without published times. |
