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The best place to stay in Ennis is the medieval town centre, within walking distance of the pubs, restaurants and Ennis Abbey. Ennis is the most practical Clare base for travellers without a car — it has the train station, bus links, and coach tours to the Cliffs of Moher, plus easy access to Bunratty Castle and Shannon Airport.
How Ennis rates as a base for different kinds of traveller.
Why Base Yourself in Ennis
Ennis is Clare's county town and its quietly clever choice as a base. The medieval centre — narrow lanes, painted shopfronts, Ennis Abbey at its heart — is genuinely characterful, with one of the best small-town trad music scenes in Ireland (Cruise's Pub and Brogan's on O'Connell Street are the regulars). It's a place locals live in, not a town designed for visitors, and it works the better for it.
The strategic advantage is connectivity. Ennis sits on the train line from Limerick (and Galway since the Western Rail Corridor was restored), bus services run hourly, and daily coach tours to the Cliffs of Moher leave from the bus station. Shannon Airport is 20 minutes away, and Bunratty Castle is a 15-minute drive. If you're not renting a car, Ennis gives you the most of Clare with the least friction.
Where to Stay in Ennis by Area
Medieval Centre
Walk to Ennis Abbey, the music pubs and the restaurants. The obvious choice for atmosphere — and the easiest for tour pickups.
Near the Station
Handy for arrivals and departures, with the centre still within easy walking distance.
Outer Ennis
Larger hotels just outside the centre with easier parking — good for road-trippers and groups.
Best Hotels & Stays in Ennis
Listed by tier; prices shift by season so we've kept to bands.
- ★Dromoland Castle — 5-star castle hotel on a 450-acre estate, 15 minutes from Ennis in Newmarket-on-Fergus; the destination splurge with championship golf and a long-standing reputation as one of Ireland's great castle hotels.
- ◆Old Ground Hotel — ivy-covered 18th-century landmark on O'Connell Street, characterful, central and one of the most-photographed buildings in town.
- ◆Temple Gate Hotel — family-owned 4-star on The Square, built around the vaulted Great Hall of a 19th-century Convent of Mercy; modern comfort with real character.
- •Ardilaun Guesthouse — spacious rooms with a proper full breakfast, walkable to the pubs and the station; the warm guesthouse alternative to a hotel.
Self-Catering & Apartments
Apartments and cottages in and around Ennis suit longer stays, family groups, and travellers using Ennis as a hub for Clare and the lower Shannon region.
Browse Ennis self-catering & homes — coming soonThings to Do From Ennis
Ennis's advantage is that most of the big Clare experiences are reachable by tour — handy if you don't have a car:
- 🚌Cliffs of Moher day tour from Ennis — the easiest way to see the cliffs car-free.
- 🏰Bunratty Castle & Folk Park — 15 minutes away, one of Ireland's most-visited castles.
- 🥾Burren & Cliffs combo tour — both Clare highlights in one day from Ennis.
How Many Nights in Ennis?
One to two — enough for a day-tour of the Cliffs and a day exploring the medieval town and nearby Bunratty.
Yes — Ennis is about 45 minutes from the Cliffs and is the best Clare base if you're travelling by train, bus or coach tour.
Yes — daily coach tours and buses run to the Cliffs of Moher from Ennis bus station.
Planning the Rest of County Clare
Ennis is one of three great Clare bases. See the full picture in our Where to Stay in Clare guide, or compare:
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places we'd send our own friends.