Eyre, Robert Hedges (c.1770–1840), landowner and developer, was born at Macroom, Co. Cork, the younger of two sons (there were also two daughters) of Richard Hedges Eyre, and his wife, Helena Eyre (née Herbert) of Muckross, Co. Kerry. The family owned large estates in Co. Cork and Co. Galway, although those in Galway went largely unattended until Robert's brother, Edward Hedges Eyre, succeeded to them in 1787, seven years after the death of their father. A reckless spendthrift, Edward was soon bankrupt and fled to France in 1790. He moved to London in 1803 where he was arrested, and died in prison. Robert Hedges Eyre succeeded to the estate and, like his brother, had some difficulty in establishing his title, part of which was not fully established until 1813. In 1815 he leased his part of Mutton Island to Dublin Port for an annual rent of £60, to facilitate the construction of a lighthouse, which he supported.
Taking a genuine interest in his Galway properties, he was responsible for many improvements in Galway town: for example, in 1811 he enclosed the Forthill burial ground as a gesture of respect to the local people. In recognition of his efforts, a dock completed on his property before 1820 was named the Eyre Dock. He made many recommendations for the improvement of the area, a number of which were adopted, and in 1832 he made possible the construction of the Commercial Dock by giving the harbour commissioners a large portion of his Forthill property. Eyre Square was named in honour of his family. In 1828 the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland was reconstituted, and Eyre was chosen as one of the three deputy grand masters in charge of the Irish lodges, probably with responsibility for the southern Orangemen. He resided chiefly at Macroom castle, and was a powerful influence in the area, carrying out many improvements to his castle and the town: he was regarded as the leader of the conservatives in Co. Cork. He died 8 June 1840. His sister, Frances Jane, was the mother of Richard White (qv), Baron Bantry and first earl of Bantry. Eyre did not marry, and had no children; his great-nephew, the Rev. Robert Hedges Maunsell Eyre, succeeded to his estate.