Myra Castle stands near the southern shore of Strangford Lough about 6 km from the town of Downpatrick, although the building carrying the name Myra Castle isn't actually a castle but a house built in the 1800's.

Illustrated right is Walshtown Castle is a late 16th century tower house, it derives its name from an Anglo Norman family which came to County Down with John de Courcy in the late 12th century.

The Walsh's were only one of a group of Norman families who took over southern County Down, under the leadership of Savage, the others were Russell, Audley, Fitzsimonds, Jordan and Smyth. In 1619 it is recorded that Walshtown Castle was occupied by Christopher Walshe.

In the reign of Charles I Walshtown Castle was granted to the Anderson's who modernised it and lived in it until the latter 18th century. A Captain Anderson was residence there in 1836

A daughter of Richard Anderson married Rowland Craig-Laurie, who built the present Myra Castle to replace it.