19th century antiquarian John O'Donovan documents a number of variants of the village, including Ballyconneely, Baile 'ic Conghaile, Ballykineely, Ballycunneely, and Balyconneely. An Post Placenames Branch archival notes Baile Uí Chonghaile, Baile 'ic Confhaola and other various spellings The surname, Conneely is Mac Conghaile originally, whereas Ó Conghaola is an entirely unrelated sept located in southern County Galway belonging to the Uí bhFhiachrach Aidne. An Post archival notes local lore from the early 20th century that attests the origin of the village's name to that of Muintear Chlann Chonghaile or Clann Mhic Conghaile, that is to say, the Conneelys.
Location
Settlements are spread out north on the road to Clifden and south on the road to Roundstone. This peninsula, jutting into the Atlantic Ocean between Clifden to the north and Roundstone to the south, is a mainly rural area. Its name is based on the old civil parish of Ballindoon, which in turn was named from the old fort or cashel on Doon Hill. The area is surrounded by beaches: the Coral Strand at Derrygimla; west and north to Knock, Mannin, Dunloughan and Truska; and east and south from Keeraunmore, Aillebrack, and Ballyconneely Bay to Calla, Dolan and Murvey. Some of these bathing spots provide bases for shore fishing.
Every July, the Ballyconneely pony show attracts people from the surrounding county to exhibit livestock and visit the travelling funfair. Ballyconneely breeds Connemara ponies, including some home and overseas champions. Legend has it that the breed originated when Arabian horses come ashore from a Spanishshipwreck near Slyne Head and bred with the small native pony. Attractions include a 27-hole golf links, and Roundstone Bog three miles to the east, an expanse of moor, lake and stream, containing wildlife and rare plants. The beaches have edible shellfish and molluscs accessible at low tide, including clams, cockles, mussels, razorfish, sea urchins, shrimp and scallops, and with local knowledge, the occasional lobster. Connemara Smokehouse and Visitor Centre is located at the Aillebrack fishing pier, a small harbour used by local fishermen and boat owners. Two shops, a post office, a community hall, and a local parish hall make up the village centre. Other businesses in the area include a hotel, a golf course with club house, guest-houses, bed-and-breakfast establishments, and holiday homes. Former TaoiseachBrian Cowen has a holiday home in Dunloughan, close to the Connemara Golf Links.
