Kilconnell village is situated eight miles from Ballinasloe on road of Athenny. As one approaches the village one can see the imposing tower of the ancient Franciscan Friary which was founded for the Conventual Franciscans in 1353 A.D by William Mor O'Ceallaigh, Lord of Hy Many. The choosen site was close to a sixth century foundation built by St. Conal from Cill Chonaill. This is how Kilconnell gets its name

The original structure constisted of a nave and a choir. A south aisle and transept were added later. A mortuary chapel was built by Tully O'Donnellan in 1412 and contains the tombs of the O'Donnellan family of Ballydonnellan and Killaghmore. The spectacular tower supported by graceful arches was constructed in 1460.

Opposite the entrance to the friary stands an ancient cross erected to the memory of a bishop of the O'Donnellan family of Killaghmore who built the mortuary chapel in the monastery.

Adjacent to this cross a signpost directs the traveller to Call Lake which is very popular with anglers who come to enjoy the trout fishing. Local families like to avail of this facility for swimming and picnics on the lakeshore. The remains of the O'Kelly Castle can still be seen close to Joe Callanan's house.

The Daniel O'Connell Connection is in the Kilconnell Parish Church. There is a stained glass window in memory of Mary O'Connell Comyn, granddaughter of Daniel O'Connell. Mary O'Connell was the daughter of John O'Connell, son of the "Liberator", Daniel O'Connell. She was married to Andrew Comyn who owned Ballinderry House and a large estate in Kilconnell

Clan Name

Kilconnell is part of the ancestral home of the O'Kellys and forms a stage of the Beara-Breifne Greenway which is based on the historic march of O'Sullivan Beara in 1603.

Greenways Festival 2003

Kilconnell is talking part in the Greenways Festival in summer 2003 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the legendary 1603 march of O’Sullivan Beara from the Beara Peninsula to the Breifne area. Click here for info on the events