Elegant gift voucher ad with a golden bow.
Ivy-covered entrance of Old Ground Hotel with inviting warm lights inside.

History of Hotel

Cosy hotel lounge with a family enjoying tea by a fireplace, featuring elegant decor.Sunlit window nook with elegant curtains and cosy seating in hotel lounge.Elegant hotel lounge with fireplace, cosy seating, and waiter serving afternoon tea.

Built in the early part of the 18th Century

Built in the early part of the 18th Century as a private dwelling and a hotel since 1895 the Old Ground Hotel Ennis has a long tradition and connection to the people of County Clare.

Indeed the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis has played its part in the Republics tumultuous beginnings and the now Town Hall Bistro once incorporated a jail.  It was bought by Allen & John Flynn in 1995 and has enjoyed a continuous programme of extension and refurbishment since then.

Extra bedrooms with luxurious King beds and soft restful colour schemes were built and the O’Connell Street entrance was greatly enhanced with the addition of the Town Hall Bistro – one of the most popular places to eat in Ennis.

History of the Hotel (Opens in new window)
Cosy hotel lounge with a crackling fire, lavish sofas, and a table set for afternoon tea.

The story behind the Ennis hotel

The main hotel restaurant was renamed The Brendan O’Regan Room in honour of the rich connection between the O’Regan family, the Hotel and Shannon Airport. The lavish improvements, excellent service and superb food were recognised by Fáilte Ireland when it classified the property as 4* hotel status.

Warm, wooden lounge with guitar, banjo, and accordion on a green leather sofa at Old Ground Hotel.A man plays the uilleann pipes by a serene lake, surrounded by rugged hills and rocks.A family watches a lively night show with fireworks at a castle venue.

Art & Antiques

It is near impossible to wander around the property without being drawn to the magnificent private contemporary art collection on display. A plethora of captivating pieces adorn the property’s walls, featuring beautiful depictions of the local landscape, historical figures and much more.

The collection includes work from both emerging Irish and international artists such as Michael Canning, Lorraine Wall, Donald Teskey, Cecil Maguire, William Kentridge, Mick O’Dea and Martin Gale.

Grandfather Clock – Our recently restored 19th-century Mahogany long case clock chimes proudly at the reception desk.  Made by Henry Charles Sterling of 102 George Street, it has a white painted dial with brass ring and brass finials – circa 1840.

Kevin McNamara – Art studio in Lahinch, Kevin has begun a new series of West Coast paintings.  Many of his paintings are sent to his representative gallery in the states but Kevin frequently stumbles upon visitors to the area that like to come and view his work in the studio.  Kevin paints from life and works in the outdoors on location in places like Spanish Point.