Ennis, County Clare, Ireland, is home to more than 32,000 people and is situated on the banks of the River Fergus. Ennis takes its name from Inis, the Irish word for island, and was founded in the 1200s. It is the capital of County Clare in the west of Ireland and is the center of administration and commerce for the county. Ennis and Phoenix established a sister city relationship in 1988.
The history of Ennis is closely tied to the O’Brien dynasty, descendants of Brian Boru, King of Ireland during the 11th century. In the 12th century, the O’Briens left their seat of power in Limerick and built a royal residence at Clonroad, now known as Ennis. Ennis was voted the “Friendliest town in Ireland” as well as winning the “Tidiest Town” award in 2012. Ennis is known for its thriving traditional music scene, numerous pubs and fantastic restaurants. With its narrow, medieval streets and lanes, Ennis is a pleasant blend of the historic past and the active present.
“As the capital of a renowned music county, Ennis is bursting at the seams with pubs featuring live sessions almost every night of the week. In fact “it’s one of the best reasons to stay here”
Lonely Planet (10th Edition 2012)
Visit the Phoenix-Ennis website for events, updates, and thoughts on the Phoenix-Ennis sister city relationship!
In memoriam:
It is with a heavy heart that Phoenix Sister Cities announces the passing of longtime friend TJ Waters. TJ Waters was a former chairman and longtime member of the Ennis Twining board. TJ was a valued friend and colleague with a vast history of community involvement. His leadership and passion for discovery and change brings true meaning to our motto: “Discovery Changes Everything.” His commitment to the sister city relationship will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. TJ made a deep impression upon the Phoenix Sister Cities community, especially with the marching band students at St. Mary’s High School who traveled to Ennis in 2013 for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, as well as the many Phoenix and Ennis youth ambassadors who traveled to each other’s city over the many years that TJ was involved in Ennis Twining Board activities. The connections TJ made between the people of Ennis and the people of Phoenix will continue to flourish and last a lifetime. Phoenix Sister Cities sends our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of TJ Waters.
Below are a few photos of TJ fulfilling one of his passions, Phoenix – Ennis Sister Cities!
Learn more about Ennis:
Visit the Ennis city website
Explore with an Interactive Map of Ennis
For news, read The Clare Herald or The Clare Champion
Check out the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix
An Evening with Consul General of Ireland Orla Keane
Ms. Keane discussed with Ennis Committee Chairwoman Mary Hill Connor about opening Ireland’s seventh and newest diplomatic mission in the US (Los Angeles), the enhanced investment in the Western US by the Government of Ireland especially as it relates to Ireland’s creative industries (television, film, animation), engaging the new US administration on COVID, and Brexit in Ireland.
Phoenix and Ennis Youth Ambassadors celebrate people to people relationships in the home of Mary Hill-Connor the Ennis Committee Chair
A cheerful group gathers and exchange stories from abroad
Exploring Musical Landscapes
Paula (President/CEO) & Anne Marie Belter (alumna parent and selection panelist) enjoy a generous buffet.
The Phoenix Sister Cities Ennis Committee is dedicated to promoting friendship and understanding between the cities of Phoenix and Ennis through a variety of programs. The committee participates in the Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Exchange Program, as well as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Faire. It also supports the Irish Cultural Center, coordinates an annual 5K Run/Walk, and promotes business opportunities between the two cities. The Ennis Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.
Ennis Committee Contact Information
Chairperson: Joe Kiernan josephkiernan123@gmail.com
Staff Liaison: Rachel Benoit rachel.benoit@phoenix,gov
The committee meets every third Wednesday of the month, except July, August, and December.
Meetings begin at 6:00pm and are on WebEx. Contact the Chairperson or staff liaison for the link.