The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Mooghaun woods

With its many bridge crossings, sculptures, murals and industrial buildings, the Ennis Riverwalk makes for a lovely stroll. Ennis' layout is very much shaped by the bends in the River Fergus and a stroll along its banks is a great way to appreciate the town.

This stretch of Ennis' Riverwalk provides excellent views across Post Office Field's greenery towards St Columba's Church of Ireland. This fine example of Gothic revival architecture was built between 1868 and 1871 and designed by Francis Bindon.

Born in County Clare, Edna O'Brien was a decorated Irish novelist, playwright, poet and short-story writer. Her first novel, The Country Girls (1960), was notably banned and denounced at the time for its sexual content at a time of post-war repression in Ireland. This beautiful mural depicting a young O'Brien was commissioned by Clare County Council and was completed in 2023.

The imposing cathedral, which celebrated its first mass in 1842, tells a story of slow construction progress and challenges that continued into the late 19th century. The grey stone walls and the high tower exude a calm that invites you to pause for a moment. In front of the entrance stands the sculpture "Healing Hands" by Shane Gilmore. The words from the book of Isaiah on the palm enhance the atmosphere of this place and create a connection between past and present.

At Mooghaun Hill Fort, cyclists get their money's worth not only because of the great views, but also because history literally shines out of the ground here. The largest Bronze Age ring fort in Ireland is located in the middle of dense forests, which provide a wonderful backdrop for a little tour of discovery. You will immerse yourself in a time long gone, when life was pulsating here around 950 BC. The route takes you past old walls that once offered protection, and just a stone's throw away you will discover the weathered Tower House - a later building that somehow blends harmoniously into the landscape. The combination of nature and culture can be particularly enjoyed here, even if the path can be bumpy at times. A tip: leave your bike behind and explore the complex on foot - the many details of the walls and information boards about earlier life are worth it. If you fancy a little adventure, we recommend visiting the site of a large gold treasure that was once discovered near the fort. Today, the treasure can be seen in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin, but the atmosphere of the place still gives a glimpse of its splendor.

The Mooghaun Forest containing the splendid Bronze Age Hillfort has plenty to offer. Several interlinked and looping trails surrounded by oak, elm and beech trees. Natures' backdrop on which you can explore.

Great forest trails with plenty to explore within Mooghaun forest Park. The Castle, is a fine example oof early Gaelic fortified house.

The Cathedral tall stipple will guide your way around town. The beautiful Church of Saints Peter and Paul is a landmark not to be missed when visiting the town. Located on Station Road it is within easy reach of the train station.