The original tower house was built in the 16th century by the O’Heyne family, who held these lands for generations. Like many such fortified homes, it served both as a defensive stronghold and a symbol of the family’s status in the region. The square tower, with its thick limestone walls and narrow windows, follows the typical design of Galway tower houses; practical structures built to withstand both siege and the harsh Atlantic weather.

The castle underwent significant transformation in the 1880s when it was purchased by Edward Martyn, a wealthy landlord, writer, and key figure in the Irish Literary Revival. Martyn commissioned the architect George Ashlin to expand the original tower house into a Gothic Revival mansion, adding new wings, turrets, and decorative battlements whilst carefully preserving the medieval core. This Victorian renovation created an intriguing architectural hybrid where medieval defensive features blend with 19th century romanticism. Martyn, who was a close friend of W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory, made Tullira a cultural hub where leading figures of Irish literature and politics would gather to discuss nationalism, theatre, and the revival of Irish culture.

Today, Tullira Castle remains privately owned but stands as a remarkable testament to the continuity of Irish country house life. The building showcases how these ancient structures adapted to changing times; from medieval fortress to Victorian mansion, each era leaving its mark on the stone and mortar. The surrounding demesne, with its walled gardens and ancient trees, provides a glimpse into the world of the Anglo-Irish gentry whilst the original tower house at its heart reminds visitors of the turbulent centuries when such fortifications were essential for survival in rural Ireland.