The Blakes of Menlo Castle will be the subject of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society free illustrated public lecture taking place on January 13 at 8pm. The venue is the Harbour Hotel, and the speaker is Patrick Larkin.
Menlo Castle sits on the banks of the River Corrib, a few miles upriver from Galway city. It was constructed as a defensive English outpost in a Gaelic world, gradually morphing over time to become a comfortable home worthy of its wealthy aristocratic owners. These were one of the merchant Tribes of Galway, the baronets Blake, ennobled for their services to the state. The castle was occupied for three and a half centuries, until a tragic accidental fire consumed the iconic building.
The speaker, Patrick Larkin, is a Galway native, a graduate of University of Galway and a chartered chemist. A former president of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society, he is a widely published independent scholar with a particular interest in 13th century east Galway.
