Ennis festivals and fleadhs
There’s always something happening in Ennis! From local festivals to celebrations of the bigger events, this town truly knows how to mark an occasion.
The highlight of the local events calendar is, without doubt, the Ennis Trad Festival, which takes place annually in November. The town has a long and illustrious history of trad music, and this event celebrates it in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, hosting some of the top local, Irish and international trad musicians, as they perform live in the town’s packed streets and pubs – with support from the great local food and drink. It’s the most wonderful excuse to wander from pub to pub throughout the day and on into the evening, savouring a well-poured pint of Guinness as musicians create glorious, toe-tapping music before your eyes.
For the more literary-minded, the Ennis Book Club Festival takes place every March and welcomes readers and book lovers to attend a four-day schedule of live interviews, readings, discussions, theatrical productions and more. There’s a wonderful buzz about the town as festival-goers move from venue to venue, taking in different events – and, of course, stopping along the way to enjoy a spot of shopping or a bite of lunch. To date, the festival has welcomed a number of literary heroes, including John Banville, Roddy Doyle, Anne Enright, Edna O'Brien and Joseph O’Connor, as well as newer writers such as Sara Baume, Donal Ryan and Lisa McInerney.
In September, the Clare Food & Drink Fleadh delivers a mouth-watering schedule of events, celebrating the amazing food sourced, grown and produced sustainably across the county. It’s the ideal festival for anyone who enjoys filling their belly with good food and drink, whilst enjoying top-class music and entertainment. Over the course of five days, it takes a creative approach to culinary matters, with mystery bus tours across the county, cocktail competitions and fun foraging events. The food Fleadh brings locals and visitors together in celebration of all things delicious.
In-between these three cornerstone events, Ennis is alive with different celebrations – spooky spectaculars at Hallowe’en, festive fun at Christmas time and lots, lots more besides. Because at the heart of this town is a warmth and a welcome that refuses to miss an opportunity to shine!
