Menlo Castle
16th century castle by the River Corrib in Menlo
Please note: Access to Menlo Castle is restricted due to ongoing conservation building work
(updated Jan 2024).
Menlo Castle is a picturesque ruin of a 16th century castle but the serenity of its surroundings hide its rich and painful history, which is shrouded in folklore and mystery. Just outside Galway City on the banks of the River Corrib, the castle was home to the Blake family who lived there from 1600 to 1910. The Blakes were described as the richest family in Galway in 1592 as they owned extensive property in the county’s of Mayo, Clare and Galway. During their time at Menlo Castle the Blakes invited villagers to the grounds of the castle for the `Maying in Menlo’ festival.
Over time, the family developed the castle, adding a Jacobean mansion to the old tower house in the late 17th century. Tragedy struck in 1910 when a fire engulfed the castle and took the lives of Lord and Lady Blake’s invalid daughter, Eleanor, and two maids. No trace of Eleanor’s body was ever found.
The building was gutted and all contents destroyed. Only the ivy covered walls, that can still be seen today, were left standing. Menlo Castle is a very well known local landmark and this magnificent ruin sits in a scenic location on the banks of the River Corrib. It provides a beautiful backdrop to riverside walks in the grounds of the university on the opposite side of the river. In the summer months this riverside walk, which follows the path of the old Galway to Clifden railway line, is a busy spot with joggers and walkers and it is well worth a visit if you are in the Galway area.
Impression of Menlo Castle reconstructed
Below is an artists impression of how Menlo Castle would look today if it had not fallen into ruin.
Credit: Budget Direct
Menlo Castle FAQs
What happened to Menlo Castle?
On July 26, 1910 what is considered to be the worst fire in the west of Ireland in 50 years engulfed Menlo Castle. No one knows precisely what caused the fire but it is believed to have started in the room of Ellen Blake, who was an invalid. Both she and a house servant Delia Earley both died in the fire. The castle was completely destroyed with only the walls left standing afterwards.
How to get to Menlo Castle?
Please note: Menlo Castle is currently closed due to ongoing conservation building work. Please avoid visiting the site until further notice.
Menlo Castle stands on the banks of the River Corrib about 3.5km north of Galway city. We recommend cycling or taking a car as the road is not really safe for walkers. Note the castle is not signposted, so when you arrive in Menlo, you’ll need to pass by the remnants of the old gatehouse/arch which leads to a gate about 150mtrs at the turn in the road. At this point you must climb over a gate and follow the rough track down to the castle ruins. Access is is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Other ways to see Menlo Castle
There are no official tours of Menlo Castle but you can see it as part of a river cruise on the Corrib Princess which departs from Woodquay in the city. Alternatively you could rent a bike and cycle the lovely greenway path along the river through NUIG where you’ll get a good view. Finally for the more adventurous, you could get in touch with one of the many great kayak guides in Galway such as Kayakmór who can bring you up river for an experience you are sure to remember.
Menlo Castle Location Map
What to expect at Menlo Castle
Best Rate Hotels
