City Hall replies over 'Right of Way' to Menlo Castle

Fair play to the Galway City Tribune for getting the reply first from Galway City Council with regard to right of access to the public lands of the old Menlo Castle demesne.

A spokesperson for City Hall was quoted as saying in the newspaper, "There is a right of way to the Castle over lands owned by Galway City Council but there may be local issues with parking by an increased number of visitors as a result of COVID <5km exercisers".

This is great news for walkers and cyclists who are increasingly enjoying the natural beauty and landscapes of the lovely village and hinterland of Menlo. We are blessed that such a rural area exists within the boundaries of Galway city.

However it is important that the concerns of local residents are addressed and sorted out. There should be no cars or bikes blocking entries to people's houses or lands.

There is now an urgent need for Galway City Council to take advantage of the government offering 22 new staff positions whose remit will to develop a proper walking and cycling infrastructure for Galway. An important part of this process is to map out the lands that are public or commonage especially along the boreens and traditional country lanes that are traditional 'green-ways'.

Hopefully I can, once COVID restrictions allow within the next few months, restart my "Slí na gCaisleán/Seven Galway Castles Heritage Cycle Guided Tours"! Though Menlo Castle for safety purposes may be cordoned off nevertheless we hope to enjoy its surroundings lawns and the views over the River Corrib to Dangan.

Seven Galway Castles Looped Heritage Cycle Tour

Mayor of Galway City Councilor Terry O'Flaherty and Deputy Mayor Councillor Frank Fahy are shown on their recent visit to Cumann na bhFear (Men's Shed) holding High Nelly bikes that will be used on Sunday's 7 Galway Castles Heritage Cycle Tour. 

On the road to Cloonacauneen Castle

Discover a magical hidden rural side of Galway city by participating in ‘Slí na gCaisleán’ (‘The Way of the Castles’), a heritage cycle tour through a picturesque rural countryside of botharins, farms, meadows, Burren-like rockscapes, bogs, woodlands, lakes, rivers, turloughs and castles.

Ballindooley Lough

Associated also with The Gathering Ireland 2013, this ‘Off the Beaten Track’ Galway Bike Festival event will appeal to city residents and members of the Diaspora alike as it will bring participants back in history, to a time when people travelled by bike, by horse and by foot through a pre-modern landscape.

Spellman's Botharín

The guided leisurely looped cycle tour takes place at 10am on Sunday June 23^rd from Terryland Castle covering a route that encompasses seven castles on the north and eastern side of Galway city and into Galway county castles. 

Menlo Castle

The castles are Terryland, Menlo, Cloonacauneen, Killeen, Ballybrit, Castlegar and Ballindooley.

Cloonacauneen Castle

Members of Cumann na bhFear (aka Men’s Shed), who are organising the event supported by Conservation Volunteers Terryland Forest Park, are lovingly restoring a fleet of High Nelly classic bikes for the tour. 

Carrowbrowne Canal

Participants should bring along their own bicycle, suitable clothing and packed lunch. There will be a stop over at Cloonacauneen Castle where participants can purchase food and beverages. Any children twelve years or under must be accompanied by an adult. All participants must sign a form agreeing to abide by the rules of the tour.

Menlo Pier

To book a place contact Brendan Smith at speediecelt@gmail.com or 0872935106.

Kileen Castle

The Old Bog Road, Carrowbrowne