The name, Eyre, is derived from the old French word for heir, and was written, le Eir and leEyer. One famous Eyre was Mr. Edward Eyre who, in 1710, purchased the land on which the fortifications at Bohermore were situated. Mr. Edward Eyre, then Mayor, presented Eyre Square to the City of Galway in May 1710. He served three terms as Mayor of the city. Edward’s wife, Jane Eyre, was another inspirational character. On her death, she left £300 to the poor of Galway. According to local tradition, she may have inspired the Bronte novel, Jane Eyre.