Rare Old Map of County Galway by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Athenry, Ballinasloe, Clifden, Gort, Loughrea

This Old Map of Galway by Samuel Lewis, dated 1844, offers a captivating glimpse into the historical landscape of County Galway, Ireland. With its intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship, this map is a true testament to the artistry of cartography during the 19th century. Featuring the five main towns and cities of Athenry, Ballinasloe, Clifden, Gort, and Loughrea, this map showcases the rich heritage and significant landmarks of County Galway. It is important to note that while some modern cities may not be depicted on this map, others may appear under earlier names, adding an exciting layer of historical exploration for enthusiasts. Notable for its accuracy and attention to detail, this map provides a unique opportunity to discover the towns, cities, counties, settlements, and colonies that thrived within the historical boundaries of County Galway before 1840. Delve into the past and explore the following 30 notable settlements, each with its own distinct story and founding year: - Galway (1124): A vibrant city with a medieval past, known for its lively atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. - Tuam (6th century): An ancient ecclesiastical center, steeped in history and home to impressive religious ruins. - Ballinasloe (c. 1330): Renowned for its annual October Fair, one of Europe's oldest and largest horse fairs. - Athenry (1235): A medieval walled town, famous for its well-preserved castle and historic architecture. - Loughrea (1236): Boasting a picturesque lake and a stunning cathedral, this town offers a tranquil retreat. - Gort (c. 1820): A market town with a fascinating history and connections to Irish literary figures. - Portumna (c. 1618): Home to the impressive Portumna Castle and Forest Park, offering scenic beauty and recreational activities. - Oughterard (c. 1740): Nestled on the shores of Lough Corrib, this charming village is a gateway to Connemara. - Oranmore (c. 1238): Combining a rich medieval past with modern amenities, this town offers a delightful coastal experience. - Kinvara (c. 1190): Known for its colorful buildings and the iconic Dunguaire Castle, this village exudes charm. - Clifden (c. 1812): A picturesque town nestled amidst stunning landscapes, serving as a gateway to the Connemara region. - Headford (c. 1238): Surrounded by scenic countryside, this town is home to the impressive ruins of Ross Errilly Friary. - Mountbellew (c. 1675): Notable for its historic abbey and beautiful gardens, this village offers a serene escape. - Carraroe (c. 1800): Located in the heart of the Gaeltacht, this coastal village celebrates Irish language and culture. - Clarinbridge (c. 1730): Famous for its annual Oyster Festival, this village is renowned for its seafood. - Spiddal (c. 1800): A charming coastal village known for its traditional Irish music and vibrant cultural scene. - Rosmuc (c. 1820): Situated in the heart of the Gaeltacht, this village offers a glimpse into Irish language and culture. - Moycullen (c. 1800): Surrounded by scenic landscapes, this village is a gateway to the Connemara region. - Kilronan (Inishmore) (c. 1840): The largest of the Aran Islands, this village is famous for its ancient stone forts. - Roundstone (c. 1822): A picturesque fishing village renowned for its stunning beaches and artistic heritage. - Clonbur (c. 1750): Nestled between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, this village offers breathtaking natural beauty. - Ardrahan (c. 1230): Known for its historic castle ruins and traditional Irish music, this village is a hidden gem. - Barna (c. 1800): A coastal village with scenic views and a reputation for excellent seafood. - Kilcolgan (c. 1238): Home to the charming Moran's Oyster Cottage, this village is a haven for seafood lovers. - Kilkieran (c. 1820): Situated on the rugged Connemara coast, this village offers stunning vistas and a rich maritime history. - Letterfrack (c. 1840): Located near Connemara National Park, this village is a gateway to outdoor adventures. - Tullycross (c. 1800): A picturesque village nestled between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, known for its traditional thatched cottages. - Leenane (c. 1820): Situated at the head of Killary Harbour, this village is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. - Inverin (c. 1800): A Gaeltacht village with a strong Irish language heritage, offering a warm welcome to visitors. - Rossaveal (c. 1800): A bustling port village, serving as a gateway to the Aran Islands and Connemara. In addition to the historical settlements, County Galway boasts several notable boundaries, rivers, and natural phenomena that continue to captivate tourists today. These include the majestic Connemara National Park, the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the enchanting Aran Islands, the scenic Lough Corrib, and the picturesque Twelve Bens mountain range. Between 1800 and 1850, County Galway witnessed significant historical events, including the Great Famine (1845-1852), which had a profound impact on the region's population and economy. The famine resulted in widespread devastation and mass emigration, shaping the history of County Galway during this period. Owning this Old Map of Galway by Samuel Lewis, 1844, allows you to delve into the rich history and explore the fascinating past of County Galway, Ireland. With its intricate details and historical significance, this map is a remarkable addition to any collection or a thoughtful gift for history enthusiasts and lovers of cartography alike.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm) and 40x50in (102x127cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 50in (127cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

Please note the unframed 24x30in (61x76cm) map has white edges around the map. These edges can help you with framing, or if you don’t need them they are very easy to snip off with scissors. All other maps, including the framed maps, look exactly like the listing images.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my main collection of UK and Ireland maps.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.