Ennis, County Clare, known as the ‘Boutique Capital of Ireland’, was officially named ‘Ireland’s Friendliest Place’ at the AIBMS Retail Excellence Awards ceremony at the Galmont Hotel, Galway.
Ennis retail stores made a huge impression on the mystery shoppers in July of this year to secure the town a shortlisting for this award, along with Ashbourne and Moynalty in County Meath, Monaghan Town and Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrim. This was followed by a public vote which took place in October.
Following the announcement, Mayor of Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy, said, “this recognition is testament to all those retailers in the town who are committed to making Ennis a great place to visit and shop. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who took the time to vote for Ennis.”
Carmel Kirby, Director of Service with Clare County Council, added, “this win is an acknowledgement of the strong collaborative work by the retail and community sector and other stakeholders in Ennis, to provide a unique town centre experience.”
Situated at the heart of the county on a bend in the River Fergus, Ennis is the capital of County Clare and is Ireland’s Friendliest Place. It’s an historical town and is certainly one of Clare’s most characterful and picturesque centres – with its narrow, winding streets, historical buildings and busy market town atmosphere. At the same time, the town has many modern influences – making Ennis a town that is very much about ‘then and now’.
Established by Retail Excellence in 1997, the Retail Excellence Awards aims to promote best practice and encourage high standards in the Irish retail industry.
Source: Clare County Council
