Menlo Castle with Photographs, Galway

Last Updated on Friday, 23 July 2010 00:28 Written by Administrator Thursday, 09 July 2009 21:07

Menlo Castle is just one of the many Castles in Castlegar, County Galway.

Geographical Coordinates;  53.296556  and -9.073503.

Elevation of 38 feet or 11.582 metres.

Below is a photograph of the stone arch at the entrance to the castle ( 53.300341  and  -9.072571 , 53° 18' 1.2276" North -and -9° 4' 21.255" West . Flash Earth map of this entrance ), which you would pass under if taking the road. From this point to the Castle is approximately 0.42 kms or 0.26 miles and heading South-South West.

And below is the same entrance but taken viewing North;

The Castle is about 0.03 kilometres / 0.02 miles / 33 metres from the River Corrib, and faced South West, roughly aligned parallel to the river -another access point.

More folklore. Valentine Blake was said to be well liked by the locals, one explanation being that he was not a strict economist and might overlook bills-due. A family member may be buried in what is still known as the Menlo Woods Graveyard.

Tom Kenny wrote an insightful article about the specifics of "The Fire at Menlo Castle" , with a photograph of the time - Read it in a new window Interesting!

The photo above is taken from the inside of the structure.

With windows as eyes to let the light in,
Many in case, the dark will begin,
Watching without, while looking within,
Menlo, and people by boat travelling -in.

The image above is of a stone arch, presumably a fireplace, with an opening near six feet wide. This is quite low or else the ground outside has risen for some reason.

Noticable at first glance, is the profileration of Ivy -the sound effects are coming from youngsters on the other side of the River Corrib- and the cox of a rowing boat. It must be the natural acoustics and peaceful nature of this place, that makes these sounds seem much closer.

Will the Ivy protect her, from time's ticking tie,
Or fan-out  like Cabbage, till green in her eye?

Will it heats  her  heart-h up, with this natural ply,
And  shield her stone  skin, from the elements by?

The Avenue feels solid underfoot, but no longer looks it - and passes through a dip greater than ten foot. The sheds are on the right of the approach.

So the sheds are done; a distraction..and the Castle comes into focussed view. Its not what you'd expect.

Ivy, is trying to claim the building. The Castle has many windows, maybe more than all our other Castles put together; implying that security was less of an issue.

The size of the rooms can be estimated, and are small enough. The fire consumed the timber, trappings and ceilings. Some of this residue increases the floor height.

Can she stand here forever; without fear moving on,
Or slip into the river, like a frog leaving from?

And slither to Galway, as an eel winding long,
Till her sand will re-gather, in the gizzards of Swan.

Lend her your time to show her, it's less,

Send her a minute, to see Nature's dress.

^ Photos are ours except Aiden Clarke's above where updated information and copyright info. is posted at http://www.geograph.ie/photo/288543 . It shows the mini-harbour (small quay) for allowing embarking and disembarking.

Corrections / ammendments, are welcome at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Note to self; this place, in effect, has characteristics close to a natural Amphitheatre. While the ownership of the Land around Menlo  Castle may or may not be disputed (or otherwise, complicated), one cannot forget that the Lands across the River, may not be. So, a project, could go ahead including the viewing of the Castle and its offerings, while not within its grounds? This observer sees this site as a focal point from either side of the River Corrib as a Theatre for Classical Music.