The name Ennis comes from the Irish
word "Inis", meaning "island". This name relates to an
island formed between two courses of the River Fergus on which the Franciscan
Abbey was built. The past of Ennis is greatly associated with the O'Brien
family, who were descendants ofBrian
Boru. During the 12th century the O'Briens who wereKings of Thomond, left their seat of
power in
