Menlo Castle

Menlo Castle is a medieval ruin standing on the banks of the River Corrib with a four-story stone structure and square turrets at its eastern side. The walls still reveal the layout of former living quarters and fortified sections that once protected the Blake family home.

The Blake family, one of Galway's richest families, settled here in the early 1600s and held the property for over three centuries. A major fire in the early 1900s destroyed the structure and brought an end to their long occupation of the site.

The castle served as a gathering place for spring celebrations where local villagers came together with music and dancing. These occasions showed how the Blake family used the site as the heart of community life in the region.

The site is accessible by car or bicycle, though the road has no pavements or signs to guide visitors. Sturdy footwear is advisable as the ground around the ruins is uneven and rough.

A devastating fire occurred here in the early 1900s that claimed several lives during the night. The incident remains a poignant chapter in the local memory of the region.

Location: Menlo

GPS coordinates: 53.29635,-9.07570

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:44