New ‘Wonder Wander’ trails showcase architectural gems in Clare towns

Two new self-guided trails that shine a light on the rich built heritage of Ennis and Ennistymon have been officially launched ahead of the busy tourist season.

Clare County Council has partnered with The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) and EZxploring to create the ‘Wonder Wander Walking Trails’, which will guide members of the public through the streetscapes of the Architectural Conservation Areas in the heart of the historic County Clare towns.

From the Corn Mills on the River Fergus and the 17th-century McParland’s house at Chapel Lane in Ennis to the former Butter Market and Courthouse in Ennistymon, the immersive Wonder Wander maps provide user-friendly information on sites of interest with interpretative text illustrated by a combination of images and drawings.

Developed in collaboration with the local community, the maps also feature a scavenger hunt to explore the lesser-known architectural features of each town.

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Speaking at the launch, Cllr Alan O'Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said: “This is a wonderful initiative that tells the stories associated with the rich built heritage that defines both Ennistymon and Ennis. The trails and accompanying maps provide a family-friendly activity that encourages visitors and members of the community to develop a greater appreciation of the stories behind our local buildings, from the former Munster Bank and Kerin’s Hotel in Ennistymon to the 18th-century Erasmus Smith and Abbeyfield houses in Ennis.”

Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy, added: “This trail celebrates the architectural treasures that have shaped the county capital’s identity for centuries. It will enable visitors to Ennis and locals to experience the town’s heritage in a new, interactive way.”

Cllr Rita McInerney, Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, has welcomed the new initiative.  “The new trail and accompanying interactive map tell the story of Ennistymon through its architecture. I commend the collaborative efforts of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, Clare County Council and, most importantly, the people of the town who contributed their knowledge and stories to bring this trail to life.”

Seán Lenihan, A/Director of Service for Economic Development at Clare County Council, says working in partnership with the local community has been key to bringing the trails to life.

“We invited local residents, businesses, and schools, to identify specific buildings or places that they felt were important. Community workshops and drop-in information sessions were held in local libraries and in community centres to facilitate discussion, storytelling, and interpretation. Engagement with local schools was particularly rewarding as students took on an active role in the development of the trail. The positive responses from the local community have enriched the trail maps and increased support for the project,” he explained.

John Beattie, Architectural Conservation Advisor with the NIAH, said: "We are extremely grateful to the local community in Clare for their partnership in designing and developing these trails, which we hope will benefit these areas by fostering a greater awareness and appreciation of their architectural legacy.

The ‘Wonder Wander Walking Trails’ are available to download for free here. Hard copies are also available from all Clare County Council offices, as well as the De Valera Public Library in Ennis and Ennistymon Public Library.