Menlo Castle

Castle in Galway

Castles Of Connacht, Menlough, Galway — CC BY-SA 2.0 / Mike Searle

Menlo Castle, also known as Menlough Castle or Blake’s Castle, is a significant 16th-century landmark situated in the village of Menlo. Initially built on the foundations of a mid-16th-century tower house, which Thomas Colman occupied in 1574, the castle later came into the possession of the Blake family. In the 18th century, the Blakes expanded the structure to include a two-bay, four-story block and a square turreted addition on the eastern side.

By 1592, the Blakes had become the wealthiest family in Galway, holding extensive lands across the counties of Mayo, Clare, and Galway. During their residence, they hosted the “Maying in Menlo” festival, welcoming villagers to celebrate on the castle grounds.

Menlo Castle remained under Blake family ownership for several centuries until a tragic fire in the early 20th century led to its destruction. In 1910, while Sir Valentine Blake (14th baronet) and Lady Blake were in Dublin, a catastrophic fire claimed the castle, and their disabled daughter, Eleanor, who was tragically lost in the incident. Following the fire, the castle fell into disrepair, and the Blake estate was eventually parcelled out by the Land Commission in 1923.

In July 2000, Galway City Council acquired the castle grounds through a compulsory purchase order. Today, Menlo Castle stands as a poignant ruin, drawing tourists to Galway with its rich history and the somber tale of the Blake family. Despite its dilapidated state, the castle’s enduring allure and scenic location along the River Corrib continue to enchant visitors.

The Menlo Castle appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Galway!

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