Menlo Castle, Medieval castle ruins near River Corrib in Menlo, Ireland.
Menlo Castle is a medieval ruin on the banks of the River Corrib in Menlo, a short distance from Galway city in Ireland. The four-story stone structure has square turrets on its eastern side, and the remaining walls still show the layout of former living quarters.
The Blake family, among the most powerful in Galway, settled here in the early 1600s and held the property for over three centuries. A fire in the early 1900s destroyed the building and ended their long connection to the site.
Before the fire, the castle was known for spring gatherings where villagers came together with music and dancing on the grounds. Today the ruin sits quietly by the river and draws mostly walkers and cyclists passing through the area.
The ruin sits along a narrow road with no pavements or signage, so take care when arriving by car or bicycle. The ground around the walls is uneven, so sturdy footwear is a good idea before you walk the site.
The fire that destroyed the castle broke out at night and claimed several lives among those living in the building at the time. The event is still remembered locally and gives the ruin a weight that goes beyond its stone walls.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
