Just 6 minutes—yes, only 6 minutes—from the famous surf town of Lahinch in County Clare lies a hidden gem. Take a short detour from the Wild Atlantic Way and you’ll find a town brimming with an artsy charm, breathtaking waterfalls, and warm hospitality.
Welcome to Ennistymon - where art, delicious food, incredible scenery and local vibes await.
Welcome to Ennistymon - where art, delicious food, incredible scenery and local vibes await.
This wasn’t my first time here, but since it was a place etched in my memory, I knew I had to return—and I was more than happy to take the short detour. One thing I was certain about was grabbing some delicious bites at The Cheese Press, a spot I’d previously written about for serving “the best cheese toastie in Ireland.”
Beyond the food, I was excited to check out the cascades—a well-known feature of the town—and rack up some steps along the local hiking trail. Thankfully, the weather was on my side, with Ireland enjoying a rare summer heatwave, and I had no complaints about that..
Beyond the food, I was excited to check out the cascades—a well-known feature of the town—and rack up some steps along the local hiking trail. Thankfully, the weather was on my side, with Ireland enjoying a rare summer heatwave, and I had no complaints about that..
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My Dog-Friendly Day Out in Ennistymon
Step 1: Food
Stepping out of our campervan, easily parked in the new local carpark (also overnight friendly), we strolled into town—just a relaxed five-minute walk from our door. Ennistymon charms with its small-town vibe, vibrant murals, and warm, smiling locals who always greet you. I adore that about Ireland.
After wandering around, we popped into The Cheese Press for a delicious sandwich—their freshly baked focaccia is divine. Gimli lounged under the table with a bowl of water while I enjoyed my late breakfast and a cup of locally roasted coffee.
Step 2: Pack and get ready
After a quick chat with Joshua Nueva, an inspiring travel content creator I’ve followed for a while and happened to spot in town, I stopped back at the van to grab my trail shoes, some water, and all the essentials for traveling with a dog before we headed down to the waterfalls once again.
Step 3: Get into nature
The Glen Walk starts near The Falls Hotel and feels like stepping into Narnia. With countless chances to explore the waterfalls and trickling streams, Gimli was in his element, and it turned out to be the perfect dog-friendly adventure for a hot day. The shade from the trees and easy water access were ideal for my black, water-loving dog.
Step 1: Food
Stepping out of our campervan, easily parked in the new local carpark (also overnight friendly), we strolled into town—just a relaxed five-minute walk from our door. Ennistymon charms with its small-town vibe, vibrant murals, and warm, smiling locals who always greet you. I adore that about Ireland.
After wandering around, we popped into The Cheese Press for a delicious sandwich—their freshly baked focaccia is divine. Gimli lounged under the table with a bowl of water while I enjoyed my late breakfast and a cup of locally roasted coffee.
Step 2: Pack and get ready
After a quick chat with Joshua Nueva, an inspiring travel content creator I’ve followed for a while and happened to spot in town, I stopped back at the van to grab my trail shoes, some water, and all the essentials for traveling with a dog before we headed down to the waterfalls once again.
Step 3: Get into nature
The Glen Walk starts near The Falls Hotel and feels like stepping into Narnia. With countless chances to explore the waterfalls and trickling streams, Gimli was in his element, and it turned out to be the perfect dog-friendly adventure for a hot day. The shade from the trees and easy water access were ideal for my black, water-loving dog.
An Overview of the Glen Walk
The Glen Walk in Ennistymon is one of the most scenic short walks in North County Clare, with its peaceful riverside setting along the River Inagh. It meanders through wooded paths, stone bridges, and quiet countryside just outside the town, with a few picnic tables and benches tucked away for a scenic snack or a moment of reflection.
It’s an easy, accessible route suitable for most fitness levels and a great choice if you’re travelling with a dog. Expect a mix of shaded woodland, gentle river views, and the soothing sound of cascading water along the way. Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a lead at all times - there is a hefty fine (a staggering and very random €1,269.74), if you don't. My advice is to pick up a hands-free dog lead from Madra World, an Irish-owned company, so you can focus on taking photos and enjoying the moment.
The Glen Walk is also a fantastic addition to a day in Ennistymon, especially if you’ve already taken in the town’s cascades or nearby Lahinch Beach. The only drawback is the lack of bins (common in Ireland) along the trail, which isn’t ideal if you need to dispose of dog waste, so keep that in mind.
The Glen Walk in Ennistymon is one of the most scenic short walks in North County Clare, with its peaceful riverside setting along the River Inagh. It meanders through wooded paths, stone bridges, and quiet countryside just outside the town, with a few picnic tables and benches tucked away for a scenic snack or a moment of reflection.
It’s an easy, accessible route suitable for most fitness levels and a great choice if you’re travelling with a dog. Expect a mix of shaded woodland, gentle river views, and the soothing sound of cascading water along the way. Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a lead at all times - there is a hefty fine (a staggering and very random €1,269.74), if you don't. My advice is to pick up a hands-free dog lead from Madra World, an Irish-owned company, so you can focus on taking photos and enjoying the moment.
The Glen Walk is also a fantastic addition to a day in Ennistymon, especially if you’ve already taken in the town’s cascades or nearby Lahinch Beach. The only drawback is the lack of bins (common in Ireland) along the trail, which isn’t ideal if you need to dispose of dog waste, so keep that in mind.
Where to Stay in Ennistymon?
Ennistymon in North Clare has a great mix of places to stay, from cosy guesthouses and boutique hotels to peaceful rural retreats. If you’d rather be near the sea, Lahinch is just nearby with plenty of coastal charm.
Staying in Ennistymon’s town centre puts you within easy reach of cafés, riverside walks, and local pubs, while many spots in the surrounding area offer quick access to Lahinch Beach and the Burren National Park.
Bringing your dog along? Always check with the accommodation about their pet policy, as it can differ from place to place. Some welcome dogs in rooms or cottages, while others may have certain restrictions or require notice in advance.
Some great local options include:
Ennistymon in North Clare has a great mix of places to stay, from cosy guesthouses and boutique hotels to peaceful rural retreats. If you’d rather be near the sea, Lahinch is just nearby with plenty of coastal charm.
Staying in Ennistymon’s town centre puts you within easy reach of cafés, riverside walks, and local pubs, while many spots in the surrounding area offer quick access to Lahinch Beach and the Burren National Park.
Bringing your dog along? Always check with the accommodation about their pet policy, as it can differ from place to place. Some welcome dogs in rooms or cottages, while others may have certain restrictions or require notice in advance.
Some great local options include:
- The Falls Hotel & Spa - 4* luxury by the falls
- Station House B&B - A cosy home from home experience
- The Imperial Hotel (around 10 minutes away)
- Rathbaun Hotel (around 10 minutes away)
- Gregans Castle Hotel (around 25 minutes away)
- The best parking for all vehicles is at the new free 24-hour car park on Monastery Lane, where I and two other campervans enjoyed a quiet night—highly recommended.
- Pick up some takeaway from one of the cafes and enjoy it by the river during your walk. The full trail takes about two hours, but we took a shortcut and returned earlier, so there are options.
- Ennistymon is a fantastic base for exploring The Burren, Clare’s stunning coastline, the Cliffs of Moher, and Doolin.
- The 5km Ennistymon Historic Town Walk is perfect for history buffs like me, with so much to discover about the town.
- This is the place for locally sourced food, live Irish music, and a lively pub culture, so stay a few days to soak it all in.
- The town is also known for its galleries, food, and local crafts, found both around town and at the regularly held local fair.
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