The Irish in Ennis, Co Clare

Fleadh Nua is an annual Irish traditional music festival held in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland, typically in May, featuring concerts, céilís, music sessions, dance, and workshops, celebrating Irish music and culture for over 50 years. It has grown from its 1970 Dublin origins into a major 10-day event that attracts international visitors and reinforces Ennis's reputation as a heartland for traditional arts.

Join us at one of the oldest pubs in Ennis for tasty food, cracking music, and great people. Knox’s Pub has something for everyone which makes it the number one destination for visitors to Ennis and locals alike. Whether you’re looking for delicious food, live music and sports, a party venue or just some good old fashion Irish craic, make sure to put Knox‘s pub at the top of the list.

In 1840 James Moroney set up a bar and grocery in the Lower Market area of Ennis, known to this day as The Mall. It is now the oldest family-owned pub in Ennis. In the early years, it was frequented by townspeople and country folk alike who came to purchase their tea and sugar which was bagged on the premises, along with all the other household items of the time. In those days the premises had a 6-day licence and it was only in the early 1950s that his grandson Gerry changed this to a 7-day licence. Apparently James never opened on a Sunday, preferring to keep this day free for the family. Another quirk of his was to close up the back entrance of the premises saying, "if one doesn't wish to enter through the front door there is no reason for them to enter through the back". Obviously, business theories differed back then from those of today. The family also bottled their own whiskey and beer up to the early 1960s, and photos of this era feature on the modern pub's walls. On James' death on 31st Dec 1884, the premises passed to his wife Anne. She continued the traditions until her son John took over the reins. He became Chairman of the Ennis Urban District Council and chaired meetings in the Town Hall, which is now a well known restaurant, and part of the Old Ground Hotel on O'Connell Street. His son Gerry, who was well known in GAA and greyhound circles, inherited the pub in the 1950s, and renovated it in 1965 to concentrate solely on a bar trade. Gerry's motto of a clean glass, clean floor, clean toilet and a good pint still stand to this day. His wife Mary worked in the pub for 45 years, and was very popular with all customers. Their son James also worked in the pub during the 1980s.

Socks in the Frying Pan is an acclaimed, multi-award-winning traditional Irish music trio from Ennis, County Clare, Ireland. Formed in 2014, the band is widely celebrated for its high-energy performances, fast-paced instrumentals, pitch-perfect vocal harmonies, and humorous onstage crowd banter.

The Halfway House gets it's name from the fact it is halfway between Clarecastle and Ennis. Also hom

From the trad capital of Clare, Tara Howley is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer known for her spellbinding mastery of the uilleann pipes and whistle. A two-time All-Ireland champion and former lead with Riverdance, Tara blends technical brilliance with cinematic emotion. Her music bridges past and present, pairing Irish soul with global sound. She’s performed around the world but remains deeply rooted in Clare’s musical heritage. Pure talent, pure heart - the sound of modern Ireland.