Ballynacally derives from
Baile na Caillí. This means "the nun's land", because it belonged to the nuns of
Killone Convent. It is home to many historical structures and monuments. The area is known to have been visited by
St. Brendan and
St. Senan who established monasteries in the islands. The
Vikings looted the churches while travelling up the Shannon to
Limerick. During the
Norman period nuns occupied the Kilchreest area, and Norman castles were erected at
Dangan, Ballycorick, and Cragbrien. The ruins of the Dangan tower still remain. Ballynacally was a former parish.
Samuel Lewis's ''
County Clare: A History and Topography (1837) mentioned that the villagers produced corn, butter, pork, and other agricultural produce which was loaded into boats in the quay and taken along the river to Limerick, and that limestone and sea manure were produced for the community. He also mentioned that Ballynacally held several cattle fairs throughout the year. In 1841 the townland had an area of 12 acres and a population of 194 people living in 29 houses. In the 19th century, the village developed a reputation for its fine "faction fighters" (see
bataireacht), who possessed a "superior skill with the stick". Professor
Thomas Rice Henn in the mid 20th century described Ballynacally as "a straggling village, with its one street and five public houses, crossing a bridge over a lesser stream" in his memoirs
The Five Arches. ==Geography==