Ennis and the German town of Langenfeld have shared a close friendship since becoming official Twin Towns in October 2013.
Over the past 12 years, this connection has grown stronger through cultural exchanges, youth activities, and community events.
In recent years, Ennis has hosted underage soccer teams from Langenfeld for a weekend tournament and welcomed The BackBeats percussion band, who performed in the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The Ennis–Langenfeld Twinning Board also runs a monthly Kaffeeklatsch coffee morning, offering local German speakers an opportunity to meet and chat in their native language.
This year, the Board will host its third Oktoberfest celebration on Culture Night, Friday 19 September, from 7pm to 10pm at the beer garden in Fawl’s Bar, O’Connell Street.
The event will feature German beers, bratwurst on the barbecue, and live entertainment from the Ennis Brass Band.
Guests wearing Tracht – traditional German folk costumes (Dirndl for ladies and lederhosen for gents) – will receive a free bratwurst.
The Twinning Board also plays an active role in education, supporting an Erasmus+ project linking four schools in Ennis with three in Langenfeld. This EU-funded programme is fostering friendships and cultural understanding among young people in both communities.
The Ennis–Langenfeld Twinning Board continues to promote the exchange of culture, ideas, and people — celebrating and strengthening the ties between the two towns.