Menlo Castle

Cosmo Kramer

Was travelling around Galway recently and stumbled upon Menlo Castle - looking across from the west bank of the Corrib. I decided to drive around to Menlo check it out and was able to gain access by jumping over a locked gate at what I'm guessing was the original entrance to the proeprty. It was more or less deserted that day but seemed like a nice spot for picnics etc.

Is there an easier way in than jumping the gate - like an obvious entrance that I missed or something? If it was owned by the Council I'm guessing they would do more to promote access etc. so is it maybe part of a privately owned property or farm?

empacher

That land is owned by a farmer. He used to keep cows there. But people kept trespassing so he can't anymore.

beardybrewer

I've been meaning to do that drive and check it out for so many years. I always look across the water enviously at the people picnicking there.

youngrun

Is there any issue accessing castle lands if owned by farmer ? Looks like a great spot from the dangan side..!

Lumi

As empacher said its on private property, the gate is always locked and there is a No Trespassing notice.

Baggy Trousers

You can swim across from Dangan side handy enough. Just watch out for rowers and the Princess.

Iwannahurl

Baggy Trousers wrote: »

You can swim across from Dangan side handy enough. Just watch out for rowers and the Princess.

And the Prince, and of course the Duchess.

youngrun

Baggy Trousers wrote: »

You can swim across from Dangan side handy enough. Just watch out for rowers and the Princess.

Or I could take a crack at the long jump record??

Baggy Trousers

youngrun wrote: »

Or I could take a crack at the long jump record??

I tried it but I was approx 45m short and had to swim the rest of the way.

Iwannahurl

Fierljeppen, perhaps?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J4atZ4509o

Baggy Trousers

Iwannahurl wrote: »

Fierljeppen, perhaps?

It's certainly an option but by my reckoning you will need a longer pole and more furious climbing. That particular guy would have fallen 20-25m short and you also have to remember the other bank is rocky in parts.

An old fashioned swim still seems the best approach. Failing that, you could simply stay on the Dangan bank and admire the Menlo castle from there while taking an opportunity to 'moon' the Princess when she passes.

youngrun

Baggy Trousers wrote: »

It's certainly an option but by my reckoning you will need a longer pole and more furious climbing. That particular guy would have fallen 20-25m short and you also have to remember the other bank is rocky in parts.

An old fashioned swim still seems the best approach. Failing that, you could simply stay on the Dangan bank and admire the Menlo castle from there while taking an opportunity to 'moon' the Princess when she passes.

I wonder will that grand tradition continue when the bypass is built overhead ?!

Iwannahurl

It'll create a whole new tradition, as well as a new opportunity for Spungo & Sheppie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLjGqUCmt8k

Baggy Trousers

Iwannahurl wrote: »

It'll create a whole new tradition, as well as a new opportunity for Spungo & Sheppie.

Who are Spungo and Sheppie?

It's a nice jump. I hope the new bridge offers the same opportunity. It passes close to Menlo castle I believe.

Baggy Trousers

youngrun wrote: »

I wonder will that grand tradition continue when the bypass is built overhead ?!

Yeah I think people will always moon the Princess. It's just the done thing.

youngrun

Baggy Trousers wrote: »

Who are Spungo and Sheppie?

It's a nice jump. I hope the new bridge offers the same opportunity. It passes close to Menlo castle I believe.

Sheppie is the filmmaker I think , perhaps Spungo is one of the subjects either on the banks of the corrib or in mid air jump?


Whatever happened the plans to reopen the castle to public and develop it as a residence ?
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/prominent-businessman-behind-refurbishment-of-menlo-castle-1.296521

Robbo

youngrun wrote: »

Whatever happened the plans to reopen the castle to public and develop it as a residence ?
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/prominent-businessman-behind-refurbishment-of-menlo-castle-1.296521

NAMA. Actual NAMA as well, not the colloquial one which encompasses all banks, bad debts or when a landlord just wants to do something objectionable but wants to imply his hands are tied.

Iwannahurl

Baggy Trousers wrote: »

Yeah I think people will always moon the Princess. It's just the done thing.

Don't try it on the Prince, or you'll probably get a lash of Kristina Kyriacou's handbag.