Meelick, County Galway

Meelick (Irish: Míleac)[1] is a townland on the River Shannon in County Galway, Ireland.

[1] According to local sources, it is home to the oldest church still in use in Ireland having been given papal permission and built in 1414 AD (as St. Francis Friary).

The area hosts a kayaking festival each year after the boating season halts in winter.

[citation needed] According to local sources, Meelick has the oldest Irish Roman Catholic church, with continuous use since 1414 AD.

The ruins include traces of the transept chapel, friary and small mill.

The Meelick Triduum still exists in early August when the Franciscans return to their abbey.

The location was chosen because Meelick was one of the few traditional crossing points where the river Shannon could be forded.

It was built by the Shannon Commissioners in Limestone in the mid 19th century to address a shallows and change of level in the river.

[7] Meelick is a location for fishing, primarily salmon and wild brown trout.

Patrick Madden, captain of the Meelick side, is commemorated with a plaque on the gable end of his birthplace and lifetime home in the village.