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
County Galway middens indicate the existence of people as early as 5000 BC. The county originally comprised several kingdoms and territories which predate the formation of the county. These kingdoms included Aidhne, Uí Maine, Maigh Seóla, Conmhaícne Mara, Soghain and Máenmaige. County Galway became an official entity around 1569 AD. The region known as Connemara retains a distinct identity within the county, though its boundaries are unclear, and so it may account for as much as one third, or as little as 20%, of the county. The county includes a number of inhabited islands, such as the Oileáin Árann (Aran Islands) and