MICHAEL MAHNKE, TERRYGLASS

Michael Mahnke is the son of Klaus Mahnke, who in 1983 purchased land both in Terryglass and on Islandmore. This interview focuses on how the Mahnke family was invited to invest in these properties in Ireland. Michael explains his family’s background, and their business in Germany. After the war years in Europe, Klaus Mahnke had just made it across from east to west Germany before the Berlin Wall was put in place. While achieving in business in Germany he had always had a yearning for the Irish countryside, and the mixture of forestry and water provided the perfect environment for shooting and fishing. Since the death of his father Michael is now running the estate with great enthusiasm and vitality.