Ennistymon, The Town of the Cascades

Contributed by Francis O’Connor, from the pen of Sister M. O’Connor.

A poem which looks at Ennistymon with a very affectionate eye; the other side of the coin from Tadgh O hÉaghráin’s poem. Bórd Fáilte would have nothing to teach Sister O’Connor in matters of public relations!

The town of Ennistymon,
Is in the County Clare.
It’s sheltered in a valley,
From broad Atlantic air,
Where there’s a friendly atmosphere,
And people of the best,
Who give you a warm welcome,
In this heaven of the west.

The fare is all first rate there,
Of that you can be sure.
The nearby north Clare creamery,
Makes butter rich and pure.
Best mutton, beef, and bacon,
With fish and fowl galore,
And they serve you up fresh salmon,
Just caught at their own door.

It’s worth your while the journey,
If only for to view,
The glen of the Cullenagh river,
And the cascades roaring through.
Ah, there the scene enthralls you,
As you gaze among the glades,
So come to Ennistymon,
The town of the cascades.

This homely little hamlet,
Will please you well to find,
The waterfalls beside it,
The old stone bridge behind.
With shaded woods to ramble in,
And river banks to roam,
You’ll love the pleasant aspect,
Of this most attractive town.

For sports like golf and swimming,
There’s lots of free advice.
The local lakes and rivers,
Are an angler’s paradise.
There’s boating on the inlets,
And there’s hunting on the hills,
Or if you feel like floating,
There’s a hovercraft for thrills.

It’s there you’ll hear good music,
Of every style and blend,
To greet the great traditions,
Or meet the modern trends.
E’en when the echo ceases,
The melody pervades,
So come to Ennistymon,
The town of the cascades.

From this convenient centre,
There’s much you can explore,
Such mountains, caves, and caverns,
You’ve never seen before,
With castles, towers, and fortresses,
And abbeys long forgot.
Rich scenes unfold before you,
Near this unspoilt beauty-spot.

There’s every public service,
With all the new ideas,
And up to date amenities,
Your latest wish will please.
It’s surely set for progress,
Not just a market town,
Why they make fine lace and saddles,
Of worldwide renown.

They throw you family parties,
Of music, dance and song,
And lavish hospitality,
To show that you belong.
Och when you say goodbye there,
The memory never fades,
So come to Ennistymon,
The town of the cascades.