|
NORTH KERRY & SOUTH CLARE
What to see, where to go – everything you need to know
 Enjoy the delights
of Ennis
Co. Clare is undoubtedly an area of great natural beauty.
Situated in the West of Ireland it is dominated by the Atlantic Ocean.
The seaside resorts of Kilkee and Lahinch, the Cliffs of Moher and the
Burren National Park are all must-sees.
The east of the county is heavily-influenced by the River Shannon and
beautiful Lough Derg with its ancient monastic sites.
Ennis is the county town and a thriving centre.
Shannon and its airport have been the focus of all the major economic
activity in the region for the past 40 years.
The creation of the Shannon Free Zone was a unique initiative which has
been replicated throughout the world.
The resulting cluster of multinational firms located in and around Shannon
has boosted investment in the county’s infrastructure over the years.
In fact many people see the airport and its growth as the biggest factor
in boosting economic activity in the area.
Many firms have been attracted to move there because of the easy air links
with Britain and America — and the airport’s future expansion
is seen as key to attracting more employers into the region.
 But away from industry
Clare is particularly renowned as a centre for Irish culture — especially
music and dance.
The area hosts several music and literary festivals each year which attract
a growing number of visitors.
For many people this makes Clare and its surrounding area a microcosm
of Ireland today.
On the one side are the modern hi-tech firms clustered around a growing
airport and 21st century infrastructure — on the other are the sounds
and traditions of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage which continue
to echo to this day.
Whether for a holiday or for someone wishing to relocate to Ireland
that makes for a very attractive blend.
Clare facts and figures
Population: 103,277
Population growth 1996-2002: 9.9 per cent
Population aged under 25 years: 36.4 per cent
Employment growth 1996-2002: 26.3 per cent
Pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools: 19-1
Ennis facts and figures
Population: 29,000 (town and environs).
Employment: Roche (pharmaceuticals); Organic Lens (a branch of Essilor
International, maker of ophthalmic lenses); RSEL (building services);
Lynch Hotel Group; Mangan Bros (distribution). There are also many employment
opportunities in Limerick, Shannon and Galway.
Hospitals: Mid-Western Regional Hospital (94 beds); St. Joseph’s
Hospital (long-term care).
Education: Five primary schools including Gaelscoil Mhichíl Chíosóg.
Four secondary: Coláiste Muire, ex-Mercy Nuns (girls); St. Flannan’s
(formerly boys, now mixed); Rice School (formerly CBS boys, now mixed);
and Ennis Community College (mixed). Third-level at University of Limerick
(23 miles) and NUI Galway (42 miles).
Must-see: Clare County Museum is an absolute gem and hosts a permanent
exhibition showcasing the riches of Clare spanning 6,000 years; the Ennis
Friary — a 13th century Franciscan site; the Heritage Park at Craggaunowen
features a reconstructed Iron Age lake-dwelling.
Clare castles: Bunratty, Knappogue and Dromoland are close by.
Sculpture: There’s a Riverwalk Sculpture Trail (highlight: The hurlers).
Around town there are many other pieces of sculpture and interesting monuments.
O’Connell is literally unmissable; de Valera is worth seeking out.
Market: Farmers’ market on Friday mornings.
Culture: Glór is a purpose-built venue which hosts contemporary
and traditional music, theatre and dance shows. It also houses an art
gallery, café-bar and restaurant. Numerous pubs in the town hold
regular traditional music sessions.
Sport: Three leisure centres with pools; golf (locally at the Ennis and
Woodstock clubs and easy access to Lahinch and Doonbeg); Equestrian centre;
Cusack Park GAA stadium; Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park (with playing
pitches, including all-weather and a cross-country running track) on 134
acres of woodland with walks and nature trails. Surfing at nearby Atlantic
beaches.
Colours: In GAA circles Clare is known as The Banner County sporting the
famous blue and gold.
Twin: Ennis is twinned with Phoenix, Arizona.
Useful websites: www.visitennis.ie
and www.ennistowncouncil.ie |
