A fire-ravaged 16th-century castle ruin on the banks of the River Corrib, 3.5 km north of Galway city. Menlo Castle was home to the Blake family for over 300 years until a devastating fire in 1910 left only its walls standing.
The classic view is from the River Corrib Greenway path through the University of Galway grounds on the opposite bank, which follows the old Galway to Clifden railway line. It is a busy, easy walk with joggers and walkers in summer months.
Access is on private farmland, not signposted. Park near the old gatehouse arch in Menlo village, walk about 150 m to a metal gate, climb over, and follow the rough track down to the ruins. The track is unsuitable for anyone with reduced mobility.
Walk the outside of the walls to pick out the surviving details of the tower house and later Jacobean mansion, including the Blake family coat of arms above the entrance door. The interior is off-limits.
A river cruise from Woodquay in the city passes the castle and gives a fine view from the water when the site itself is closed. Kayaking tours with guides such as Kayakmór are another option for reaching it by river.
On 26 July 1910 the castle burned while Sir Valentine Blake and his wife were in Dublin. Their disabled daughter Eleanor and two maids died, and Eleanor's body was never found. W.B. Yeats wrote a poem about the blaze; the book 'Menlo – Memories and Folklore' by William Henry tells the full story.
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