Right Rev. W. Reeves, D.D., Pamphlet 011 “Antiquities of Swords.” Rev. Canon Twigg, MS. Paper read to Antiquarian Society. Grose, “Antiquities of Ireland.” D’Alton, “History of County Dublin.” D’Alton, “Archbishops of Dublin.” Calendar of Carew MSS.
Not far from Ardrahan, in the County Galway, stands this castle, which originally belonged to the Burkes or De Burgos. We read that Ulick, 3rd Earl of Clanricarde, married a daughter of Burke of Tullyra, but it seems to have passed to the Martyns during the sixteenth century. This is generally supposed to have been through marriage. Hogan mentions the Martins of Tillyra in 1598.
In one of the upper chambers is carved the date 1614, accompanied by the initials “S. B.”
A somewhat modern doorway opening into the courtyard is surmounted by a stone shield bearing the Martyn arms. They are said to have been presented to the family by Richard I., who was accompanied by Oliver Martyn when he went to the Holy Land.
Underneath the arms on the right side are the letters “R.M.,” and on the left “C. M.”
In 1702 Oliver Martin of Tulliry, Esq., was allowed to retain his lands after the rebellion, because he had assisted so many Protestants during the insurrection. This was an almost unique concession at the time.
The present owner, Mr. Edward Martyn, of literary fame, has recently erected a beautiful modern mansion near the old fortress.
J. Fahey, “History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Kilmacduagh.” J. Hardiman, “History of Galway.” Hogan, “Description of Ireland, 1598.”
This fortress was one of the castles of the Pale, and is situated in the County of Dublin on the right-hand side of the road which leads from Balrothery to Greenhills.
The name Timon or Timothan is derived from _Teach-Munna_, signifying “the house of St. Munna.”
The stronghold is built upon an esker and is therefore conspicuous for a considerable distance round.
There seems to be no trace of outworks, which were probably unnecessary owing to the castle having formerly been surrounded by marshes. In recent years the land has been drained and the water carried off by a small stream which crosses the road near the castle and is a tributary of the Poddle.
The building consists of a square keep with a projecting stair tower adjoining the south-west angle, which is now covered with ivy. The main structure was formerly divided into two floors by an arched roof over the lower room. The battlement slightly projects. The east wall has been destroyed, while about two-thirds of the north wall and some of the south have gone. The western side is still perfect.