Ennis is a natural base for the western side of County Clare. The Cliffs of Moher, the most-visited natural site in Ireland, are 45 minutes west by car or bus. The Burren, the 250-square-kilometre limestone plateau north of the town, is the same distance and rewards a full day of slow driving and short walks. Bunratty Castle and the medieval folk park beside it are fifteen minutes south on the Limerick road. Quin Abbey, the most complete medieval Franciscan friary in Ireland, is a ten-minute drive east through quiet countryside.