Location: Ennis
Top Restaurants in Ennis
Where to Eat in Ennis: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Ennis (/ˈɛ.nɪs/; Irish: Inis, meaning "island") is the county town of Clare, Ireland. The Irish name is short for Inis Cluana Rámhfhada ("island of the long rowing meadow"). The town is on the River Fergus, north of where it enters the Shannon Estuary, 19 km (12 mi) from Shannon Airport. In 2016, Ennis had a population of 25,276, making it the largest town in Clare and the 12th largest in Ireland.
Things to do in Ennis
1. The Sherwood Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 248 reviews
The Sherwood Inn is a family run restaurant set up in 1985 providing good value, home cooked food at affordable prices in a comfortable bistro style setting located in the heart of Ennis town.
Reviewed By Brian M
Since it opened it's doors in the 1980's the Sherwood has been a huge success. It offers the diner a wide menu and generous portions at reasonable prices. No Reservations so turn up and join the queue. There is a massive turmover of diners so the wait is usually short for both a table and your food. Typical main course with veg etc is less than 9 Euro making it superb value for money. Located in the Tesco shopping mall close to town centre. Not a Michelin star restaurant but good food, comfortable setting and reasonable prices. Popular for breakfast, lunch and dinner and also offer take out if required
2. Brogans Bar & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 706 reviews
Reviewed By Ennis41 - Ireland
Visited here on a busy Saturday , around 5 pm. Very efficient and friendly lady on front of house - had to wait approx ten minutes for a table . Waiting staff were friendly and courteous despite the restaurant and bar being hectic . Sharing plate and caprese salad for starters were good - our mains were cold, the cod and salmon were overcooked. Drinks were ordered but never arrived for myself but were still on the bill when we went to pay. We would have asked for our food to be reheated but trying to catch a waitress attention was impossible .
The ladies toilet was not clean - all three cubicles badly needed attention - not good enough at only 5 in the evening. This pub has been newly renovated and looks amazing but sadly on this occasion we were disappointed.
3. Cafe Aroma
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By Ellie M
We arrived to a very cold Ennis to see almost everything closed so we were just happy to see this place was open. Open but packed! They were extremely busy so I think that’s to blame for the bad parts of our experience. We both got items from the all day breakfast but our toast came WAY before our breakfast so was fully eaten by the time our breakfast arrived and they never brought the peppermint tea I ordered. But overall to be fair it was tasty and they were open when no one else was so mainly just grateful.
4. Poet's Corner Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 636 reviews
Reviewed By tomfclucas - Dublin, Ireland
We ate in this pub on a Saturday evening at about 7.30pm. We had a short wait for a table at that time which would have been longer but other people had declined the table that we were offered as it was near the door and there was a draft. The staff were quite pleasant and efficient and our order was taken promptly but we did not feel rushed. The food was very tasty and the portions were very large. There was a limited cocktail menu but, when asked, the bar staff were happy to make cocktails that were not on the list. There is a lively atmosphere and lots of conversation. There is music on some nights. The pub is part of the Old Ground Hotel and there is a 'dedicated' taxi phone at the hotel reception so getting back to our own hotel was not a problem.
5. Town Hall Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 701 reviews
The Town Hall provides excellent food from local produce in an historic setting surrounded by original art. It has been rated by Paolo Tuillo, renowned restaurant critic as Best Value Restaurant in Ireland in 2013. Favourite dishes include Herb crusted Rack of Burren Lamb, Port and Redcurrant jus, Miltown Malby Crab tasting plate with a Crab Cake on coconut aioli, grilled Crab Claw with lime and dill mayonnaise.
Reviewed By macshortie - County Roscommon, Ireland
Just returned from my 3rd visit to the Town Hall Café/Bistro. Food was as always delicious, bottle of my favourite wine and it was a lovely evening. As it was my birthday my boyfriend arranged for a special desert to be sent out. Lovely waiter and restaurant guest sang Happy Birthday to me which was a lovely gesture. Staff are attentive, friendly and the ambience as I mentioned in a previous review are amazing. Will definitely be returning.
6. Knox's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 461 reviews
In the heart of the bustling town of Ennis, Knox's is an enduringly popular local pub and bistro with an engaging and convivial atmosphere, establishing it as one of the most popular venues for nightlife and entertainment. Exposed stone and brickwork and wooden beams give the interior a rustic charm, while fresh local produce sets off the brasserie-style dishes on the menu in the upstairs restaurant. All sporting events including Championship hurling and football, Premiership games, Champions League, Six Nations and the Heineken Cup are all shown live in the bar. The resident DJs and live music will have you dancing and with the late night bar extension from Thursday to Sunday, Knox's keeps the lively and friendly crowd buzzing late into the night. Knox's is the ideal entertainment venue with Live Music five nights a week as well as DJs, pub quizzes and lots more. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the bar for all customers.
Reviewed By thelyonsden - north NJ
Stopped in for a few pints and some food. There was a very good session going, Mandolin player got up every few tunes and laid down a hinged piece of wood and did some step dancing, bringing the session over the top. Great place, although the kitchen closed early, we were there about 9:30p and could not get anything.
7. The Market Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 393 reviews
Reviewed By irelandladyluck - Ireland
The food here is very good lots of choices.staff also quite nice good value but nearly all the main course have a supplement.
The one thing that really put me off is we were seated just inside the door so it was very cold.
Why restraunts in Ireland do this I can't understand,as it is very hard to enjoy a meal when it is
8. Souper Cafe & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By gary b
You know what it's like.
You're wandering around an unfamiliar town look for a bite to eat and hoping you find a gem of a place and not a greasy dive.
Well, we choose to visit 'Souper Cafe' and I have to say all three of us thought thst the soups were probably the tastiest we'd ever had. Super sandwiches and panini's too.
The staff were great and the venue is clean, tidy and stylish.
Try it..you don't be disappointed.
9. Rowan Tree Cafe Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 530 reviews
Rowan Tree Café Bar is in the most beautiful location overlooking the river Fergus in the centre of Ennis. Our building is one of the oldest in Ennis, a former Gentleman's Club built in 1740, steeped in history and character where our high ceilings, open fire and covered riverside Terrace give you an experience like no other in Town. Our large Seating capacity of 120 guests and our 3 different rooms including one 25 guest private dining room and lends itself perfectly to small and large group dining, we have a variety of menu options to suit all tastes and occasions. Our team are passionate about sourcing and preparing the very best of Irish, Locally sourced and ethically produced ingredients and show the best food that Ireland has to offer, all of which is served to you with a Mediterranean style by people who take pride in the fact that food is only one of the ingredients that makes for a fantastic dining experience. We encourage our staff to be show off their own personalities while ensuring our guests are given a warm and genuine "Cead Mile Failte". The restaurants approachable staff ensures smooth service in one of Ennis's busiest and yet most relaxed establishments. Our listed building brings the warmth of old Ireland where you will dine in former dance halls and billiards rooms into the our 21st Century café bar experience with big bay windows, high ceilings, original artworks by renowned Clare artists and pitched pine floors all add to the relaxed atmosphere we try to create. There is no better way to start or finish the day then with a cup of Illy coffee or a glass of wine in hand while sitting and watching the majestic river Fergus flow by. Find us on social media by using the #rowan3
Reviewed By Monicelt - Ennis, Ireland
I'm gonna make this gem of a place a regular haunt! I took my daughter to dinner availing of the January special - €22 / 3 course or €22 2 course with a glass of (delicious Italian house Pino Grigio). The food was flavourful and beautifully presented - the waitress even brought a plate of each of the leaves from the salad so we could figure out the unique flavour of the salad I remembered the waiter from the previous year - a funny incident involving a zipper and a scissors Conor was as entertaining as he was professional and knowledgeable. Absolutely delightful experience so we'll be waiting with baited breath for the next pay day jaunt to The Rowan Tree (my off-the-cigs-treat-to-self). I hope they don't get tired of us! Wonderful staff combined with mouth watering food
10. Cloister Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 571 reviews
Situated in the heart of medieval Ennis. This is a modern restaurant that serves fresh locally sourced produce. Wonderful to visit for a light bar meal during the day or more inventive cuisine in the evenings.
Reviewed By MollieEire - Ireland
The food here is really really good, 4 of us went and everybody cleared their plates it was really tasty food from starter to dessert - delicious. The setting is spectacular crystals and ancient stone walls with very comfortable Seating and lovely lighting which creates a wonderful atmosphere. The staff are very nice and helpful. The only complaint I have is that maybe you could leave people a bit more time between each course - such gorgeous food should be savoured and enjoyed and not rushed and we felt a bit rushed being in such a beautiful setting I did not want the experience to be over in an hour and a half.
