Private Tour
Private Ennis Essential History Tour with Dr Jane O'Brien
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 10 minutes
Mobile ticket
Private tour of Ennis with an experienced and award-winning local guide. Dr Jane O’Brien (PhD in history) has been running tours of Ennis since 2005 but it is Jane's storytelling skills that bring the vibrant past of the town alive for all who join her tours. You will explore the streets and laneways of Ennis while learning about the intriguing stories that shaped its history. Winner of the "2024 Best Walking Tour Experience" and guide for the Rick Steves Tours in Ennis, this tour explores the history, methodology, legends, ghosts, poverty, murders and more of this medieval town. Jane uses rich historical sources to recreate the drama and daily life of Ennis and its place in Irish history and her acclaimed tours provide a highly entertaining and thought-provoking experience. She also runs the Dark History Tour which provides an in-depth exploration of the darker side of the towns history, and the Gourmet History Tour - a combination of history and food with some local food tastings.
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
There is the option for the guide to use an amplification device for ease of listening.
Gratuities - always appreciated, but never expected
What To Expect
Clare Museum
We begin beside the Clare Museum - formally the site of the old Convent building for the Sisters of Mercy. Participants are introduced to the medieval market town of Ennis which originated in the 13th century.
Daniel O'Connell Monument
We stop at the Daniel O'Connell Monument in the centre of Ennis - site for many events including the momentus milestone of Catholic Emancipation.
Options
Private Ennis History Tour
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes: The tour covers the main points of interest of the town of Ennis and is conducted at a gentle pace.
Reviews
34 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Historical Ennis
Sharon Q,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Ennis is a very charming town. The tour opened up a lot history that was interesting and made us more appreciative of this area. Jane was very informative and it was a worthwhile tour.
Deep Knowledge and Local Connections
richardrN9287BD,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great tour with Dr Jane. Jane went above and beyond allowing us to reschedule our tour because we had transportation issues. She knows the history of the town fact and dates but also, she is part of it, being an O'Brien! Jane entertained all out questions so we were able to get a full picture of what it was like to live in Ennis through the centuries, all the good as well as the bad times. We had a private tour, just 4 of us. I recommend a tour with Dr. Jane!
Ennis crash course
Amgrismer,
Apr 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a fantastic time with Dr.Jane learning all about Ennis and how important it is in Ireland’s history. My husband’s family name is Ennis, so was great to see where it all originated. We were very thankful for Dr.Jane’s fantastic knowledge and love for the area.
Wonderful tour of lovely town
BillB951,
Nov 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jane explores the nooks, crannies and history of this lovely town in County Clare during her tour. We explored the architecture, the town's development and Irish political history during the tour. Well worth the time.
Engaging, educational tour enriched our experience of the town of Ennis.
X7646XWsandrak,
Nov 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jane has a deep knowledge and love of the town of Ennis. Streets, boways, buildings and people came to life as she shared their history and stories. Jane’s sense of humor and her engaging spirit were captivating and our time together flew by too quickly! We didn’t book soon enough to do the public tour at the beginning of our stay in Ennis, but Jane kindly added us to a private tour as soon as she could. Our remaining days is town were enriched by what we learned during our time with Jane and by the lingering memory of her warmth. Book early!
Perfect walking tour of Ennis
cartergang4,
Nov 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dr. Jane O'Brien was a wonderful find for our small group of friends. Already part of a larger tour of Ireland, we decided to add this walking tour of Ennis to our schedule. Dr. O'Brien is a well-known local who is an historian and had just the right amount of culture, history, and humor woven into her tour. So many back stories for this beautiful little town, and Dr. O'Brien knew them all. I highly recommend booking either a public or private tour with Jane!
Great Introduction to Ennis
BetsyCRW,
Nov 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jane was wonderful. Prompt and ready to go when we arrived for our tour. We learned so much about the small town of Ennis. She pointed out historical buildings, gave us information about the town and was able to recommend places to shop and eat. We really enoyed our time with her.
Must do in Ennis
P2244BJstaceyw,
Sep 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour with Jane was fantastic. Jane was delightful, fun and knowledgeable. Her stories of Ireland and local lore were fascinating. I would recommend taking the time to tour Ennis with Jane if you have the chance.
Very enjoyable and informative!
G9820NHritap,
Aug 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jane brought us on a wonderful tour of Ennis. She was so friendly and knowledgeable, the time flew by. We would highly recommend her to anyone who wants to learn more about Ennis. Thanks again Jane!
An Afternoon in Ennis
E4474GGjenniferm,
Aug 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our time with Dr OBrian was lovely. She is a tower of knowledge. We walked Ennis, learned all about its history and made some stops along the way.
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