Former Castle Hotels in Murrisk

The land was originally owned by the O'Flaherty Clan and the Lords of Connaught. In 1546 when Grace O'Malley was sixteen, she married Donal O’Flaherty. Their marriage united two of the most powerful families in the country. The castle of Ballynahinch was one of many castles they held. Grace O'Malley's legend is well known in history, she defied the English monarchy and was dubbed the "Queen". She thrived in a man's world, just like Queen Elizabeth I. In September 1593, the two met on equal terms as queen to queen. She was the first Gaelic woman to ever appear in court of an English monarch. For centuries, her story and skill was passed down in Irish folklore and poems.