History Timeline

Small castle built on Ballynahinch Lake by Donal O'Flaherty, husband of Grace O'Malley (Grainneuaile), after Donal's death Grace took his place as head of the clan. Her life as a pirate is well known and the Pirate Queen is steeped in history and legend.

Robert Martin brought O'Flaherty's estate, The Martins were one of The Tribes of Galway. The Tribes were fourteen merchant families who dominated the political, commercial and social life of Galway city. The Martins were the first to leave Galway city and set up home outside the walled city.

The Martin family build the present house at Ballynahinch as an inn.

Ballynahinch House extensively renovated. Following the renovations Robert's son Richard moved to Ballynahinch. This move made Ballynahinch the principle residence of the Martin Family who were members of the British Parliament.

In 1822 during his time as MP, Richard Martin founded the RSPCA and introduced the “Cruelty of Animals Act” to the House of Commons. He then became known as "Humanity Dick".

Ballynahinch Castle was host to many famous people during the early part of the 19th Century. Irish political leader Daniel O'Connell was a guest of the Martin's while attending a meeting in Clifden.

Purchased as one of many houses after the Great Famine

The castle and estate was purchased by Richard Berridge, a London brewer, from the Law Life Assurance Society. One of the largest landowner's in Ireland at the time he transformed and refurbished the house at Ballynahinch. The estate remained in the family's possession for only two generations.

In 1923 His Highness the Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanager better known as Ranjitsinhji or Ranji Prince of Cricketers visited Ireland as a guest of the Irish government staying in Dublin before travelling to Ballynahinch for a private fishing holiday. It was during this two week holiday he fell in love with Connemara and at the end of his trip decided to purchase the house and estate.

Following the purchase of Ballynahinch Ranji developed over 72 stone piers along the riverbank which are still in use today. He also invested heavily in improvements to the castle and estate. Following his untimely death in 1933 his sold the property to Mr Fredrick C. McCormack who held it until his own death in 1946.

Ballynahinch was purchased by the Irish Tourism Board. For the first time the world famous fisheries were open to the public, and they took advantage of it. During this time Ballynahinch Castle played host to Eamon de Valera. His signature is the first to be seen in the old visitors’ book.

The Irish Tourist Board sold the hotel in 1952 and has remained in private ownership ever since, with three families owning the property over the past 65 years.

The former President of America, Mr. Gerard Ford, and his wife Betty visited the hotel in a private capacity as guests of their friends Raymond & Minerva Mason who owned the hotel at the time.

In 1986 we added eight large spacious Superior Rooms all overlooking the river.

We continued our expansion in 1999 with the addition of 14 Luxury Rooms. All finished to a superb standard, these rooms all have glorious views across the river, garden and woodlands.

President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina visited for lunch at Ballynahinch Castle while on a day of engagements in Connemara. It was a great honour to welcome President Higgins & Mrs. Higgins to Ballynahinch.

Following a change in ownership in 2014 we undertook a refurbishment project in 2015 including the restaurant, Ranji Room and the addition of eight additional luxury rooms.

In early 2017 we started the Restoration of the Walled Garden including the rebuilding of the stone walls. It is a work in progress and due to be completed in early 2018.