Ballynahinch, County Galway Ballynahinch, County Galway Ballynahinch or Ballinahinch () is situated close to Recess in County Galway in the west of Ireland, on the road from Recess to Roundstone. It also lies on the route of the former railway line from Galway city to Clifden (the "Capital of Connemara"). The name comes from the Irish "Baile na hInse" meaning "settlement of the island". Ballynahinch Castle, built in the 17th century for the Martyn family, one of whose better-known members was 'Humanity Dick' founder of the RSPCA, has been used as a hotel since 1946. The Castle was originally built in about 1684
Meelick, County Galway Meelick, County Galway Meelick ("Míleac" in Irish) is a townland on the River Shannon in Ireland. It lies some 4 km southeast of Eyrecourt in County Galway. Meelick has the oldest Irish Roman Catholic church with continuous use since 1414 AD. Founded as a Franciscan abbey, the church and sacristy are still in use today. The ruins include traces of the transept chapel, friary and small mill. Papal permission for Meelick friary was granted by John XXII in 1414. The last friar of Meelick was Fr. Bonaventure Francis Reynolds. When he died in November 1852, there was no friar available