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). Plus many employment opportunities at 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) for 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.
Local radio: Clare FM on 96.4fm.
Best aspects: attractive, prosperous town with easy access to some of Ireland's most spectacular natural heritage, including the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. Proximity to hassle-free international airport at Shannon.
Main issue: despite the bypass, the narrow streets are still clogged with traffic; further pedestrianisation needed.
