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Unlock the Mysteries of Ennis with a Private Dark History Tour
For those intrigued by Ireland’s supernatural tales and medieval secrets, the Private Ennis Dark History Tour led by Dr. Jane O’Brien offers a compelling journey through the town’s shadowy past. Priced at $219.38 per group, this private experience caters to groups of 1 to 6 people and lasts approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Located in South West Ireland, specifically in Ennis, County Clare, the tour provides an intimate exploration of Ennis’s most haunted and storied locations. With glowing reviews and a 5.0-star rating from 12 satisfied participants, this tour proves to be a popular choice for those seeking a mix of history, mythology, and ghostly lore.
The tour is designed to be both entertaining and educational, making it suitable for adults and children alike. Its duration and private format make it an ideal activity for visitors who want an in-depth, personalized experience, away from crowded group tours. Whether you are a serious history buff or simply curious about Ireland’s supernatural legends, this guided walk promises to reveal Ennis’s darker side in a way that is both fascinating and respectful.
Key Points
- Private tour for up to 6 people led by knowledgeable guide Dr. Jane O’Brien
- Duration: just over 1 hour and 10 minutes with numerous stops in the town center
- Price: $219.38 per group, booked 77 days in advance on average
- Highlights: haunted buildings, folklore stories, historic punishments, and ghost tales
- Start Point: Old Ground Hotel, end at O’Connell Monument on O’Connell Street
- Includes: local guide and a mobile ticket for convenience
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Ennis
Starting Point at the Old Ground Hotel Ennis
The tour begins at the Old Ground Hotel on Station Rd, Clonroad Beg, Ennis. This building is one of the town’s oldest and most haunted, featuring a 1500s medieval towerhouse. The site’s long history and ghost stories set an atmospheric tone for the entire walk. The admission is free, and the exterior offers a glimpse into Ennis’s medieval past, making it an evocative starting point for the dark history tour.
Exploring the Old Gallows Green on Barrack Street
Next, the route takes visitors to Barrack Street, where the Old Gallows Green once operated as a site of execution. This location highlights the grim punishments of medieval and early modern Ennis. Standing here, the sense of history is palpable, and the stories of justice and crime from past centuries add to the chilling atmosphere that pervades the tour.
Discovering the Old Ennis Graveyard at Garraunakilla
A visit to Garraunakilla transports guests to the old Ennis graveyard. This site is notable for its stories from the town’s past, connecting the physical location to legends of spirits and the supernatural. The guide shares insights into the town’s burial customs and ghostly tales linked to those buried here, enriching the sense of Ennis’s haunted reputation.
The Tensions of the Market Place and Market Murders
The Market Place was once a bustling hub where tensions sometimes escalated into what are known as market murders. These tragic episodes are part of the darker history that the tour uncovers, illustrating the rougher side of Ennis’s historic marketplace. This stop offers a glimpse into the violent side of the town’s social life in bygone eras.
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Bow-ways of Parnell Street and the Spirit of Famine
Traveling down Parnell Street, the tour explores how poverty and famine affected Ennis. The narrow alleyways and old lanes are believed to be haunted by the spirits left behind during difficult times. This part of the walk emphasizes how hardship left a lasting mark on the town’s atmosphere and folklore.
Sights and Smells of Old Ennis on Chapel Lane
Chapel Lane recreates the sensory experience of historic Ennis, with descriptions of the sights and smells of the town’s shops and streets from centuries past. Walking through these winding lanes, guests get a vivid sense of everyday life, with stories of local characters and supernatural encounters woven into the fabric of the street scene.
The Witchcraft Trial at the Daniel O’Connell Monument
At the Daniel O’Connell Monument, the tour reveals the town’s connection to Biddy Early, the infamous wise woman of Clare. Known for her alleged witchcraft, Biddy’s trial and stories of her magical practices are explored here, adding a layer of mysticism and legend to the historical landscape.
Tragedy at Arthur’s Row and the Ennis Orphanage
The route continues at Arthur’s Row, where stories from the old orphanage and industrial school are shared. These accounts highlight the tragic side of Ennis’s history, illustrating how social issues and suffering left their marks on the town’s collective memory.
Folklore and Mythology on Francis Street
Francis Street is notable for sightings of the banshee and death coach, figures from Irish mythology that persisted into the 20th century in Ennis. This stop emphasizes the town’s deep roots in supernatural folklore, with stories that have been passed down through generations.
The Historic Ennis Friary and Ghostly Residents
The 13th-century Ennis Friary forms a key part of the tour, serving as the foundation of the town. The guide shares stories of the ghosts believed to haunt the friary, connecting past residents to present-day ghostly legends. This historic site offers a tangible link between Ennis’s medieval roots and its haunted reputation.
The Final Stop at Abbey Street and the O’Connell Monument
The tour concludes at Abbey Street, beside the O’Connell Monument. From this vantage point, guests reflect on the stories and legends uncovered along the walk. This ending provides a fitting, memorable conclusion to a journey through Ennis’s darker history, leaving visitors with a new perspective on this charming Irish town.
Logistics and Booking Details
This private tour departs from the Old Ground Hotel and ends near the O’Connell Monument on O’Connell Street. The tour is led by local guide Dr. Jane O’Brien, whose enthusiasm and extensive knowledge have earned rave reviews. The small group size of up to 6 people ensures a personalized experience, with flexible scheduling booked on average 77 days in advance.
The tour provides a mobile ticket for easy access and is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and children accompanied by adults. It is a cancellation-friendly activity, with a full refund available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.
What Sets This Tour Apart
What makes this tour unique is the combination of dark history, local legends, and mythological stories told by an expert guide with a genuine passion for Ennis. The focus on both historical accuracy and entertaining storytelling has earned consistent praise. The stops cover a broad spectrum, from haunted buildings to notorious sites of punishment, providing a well-rounded picture of Ennis’s shadowy past.
Who Should Consider This Tour
This experience is perfect for adults and children who enjoy stories of ghosts, legends, and historic crime. It suits those interested in Ireland’s supernatural folklore, medieval punishments, or local legends like Biddy Early and the banshee. Visitors seeking a personalized, in-depth look at Ennis’s darker history will find this tour particularly rewarding.
Final Thoughts on Ennis’s Haunted Past
The Private Ennis Dark History Tour offers a rich, engaging journey into the town’s secrets, led by a knowledgeable and lively guide. Its small-group format enhances the experience, making it ideal for intimate exploration. While the 1 hour and 10 minutes is a relatively short duration, the many stops and stories provide a thorough overview of Ennis’s haunted reputation.
This tour truly shines in its ability to bring history to life through storytelling, making it a standout activity in Ennis. It’s an excellent choice for history enthusiasts, folklore lovers, and anyone curious about Ireland’s darker stories.
Ready to Book?
Private Ennis Dark History Tour with Dr Jane O’Brien (1-6 people)
“Jane brought the history of Ennis and Ireland to life as she led us around the streets of the town. She shared her wealth of knowledge and insight…”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, covering multiple stops across Ennis’s town center.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Old Ground Hotel and ends near the O’Connell Monument on O’Connell Street.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate when accompanied by adults, and the experience is suitable for most ages due to its engaging storytelling.
What is the price per group?
The cost is $219.38 for groups of up to 6 people, making it a good value for a private experience.
How do I book this tour?
Booking can be done in advance, with most reservations made 77 days beforehand on average. The tour is cancelable for free if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.
Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking through the town’s streets, but it is generally accessible for most participants. No specific physical requirements are noted.
What makes this tour special compared to others in Ennis?
The personalized experience led by Dr. Jane O’Brien and the focus on dark history, myth, and local legends set it apart. The tour’s small group size ensures an intimate and in-depth exploration of Ennis’s haunted past.
