Rare Old Map of County Clare by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Ennis, Kilrush, Shannon Estuary, Loop Head Peninsula, and Burren Landscape

This Old Map of Clare by Samuel Lewis in 1844 showcases the historical boundaries of County Clare, Ireland, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past. With its intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship, this map is a captivating piece of history that will enhance any collection or adorn any wall.

The map presents a unique opportunity to explore the major towns, cities, and notable features of County Clare in 1844. While some modern cities may not be depicted, or may appear under earlier names, this only adds to the allure of the map. It allows you to discover the region as it was known during the mid-19th century, offering a valuable perspective on the historical development of Clare.

Notable features on this map include Ennis, the county town of Clare, with its rich medieval history and charming streets. Kilrush, an important trading port on the Shannon Estuary, is also showcased, highlighting its maritime significance. The map further encompasses the stunning Loop Head Peninsula, renowned for its rugged cliffs and picturesque lighthouses. Lastly, the Burren Landscape, with its unique karst terrain and ancient archaeological sites, adds an element of intrigue to this historical representation.

Settlements Founded Before 1840 within County Clare: - Ennis (1240): County town of Clare, known for its medieval history and vibrant culture. - Kilrush (circa 1760): Thriving trading port on the Shannon Estuary, historically significant for its maritime activities. - Shannon (1939): Originally known as Newmarket-on-Fergus, it was renamed Shannon in 1939 due to the establishment of Shannon Airport. - Sixmilebridge (1812): A picturesque village situated on the banks of the River Fergus. - Newmarket-on-Fergus (1318): A historic village with strong ties to the O'Brien clan, offering a glimpse into medieval Ireland. - Lahinch (circa 1800): A popular seaside resort renowned for its sandy beach and world-class surfing. - Scariff (circa 1750): A charming market town located on the shores of Lough Derg, offering scenic beauty and historical interest. - Kilkee (circa 1760): A coastal town famous for its Victorian seaside resort heritage and stunning cliffs. - Miltown Malbay (circa 1800): A vibrant town known for its traditional Irish music heritage and annual Willie Clancy Summer School. - Quin (circa 1280): Home to the striking ruins of Quin Abbey, this village is steeped in history and architectural beauty. - Tulla (circa 1610): A picturesque village situated on the banks of the River Graney, known for its traditional music scene. - Corofin (circa 1800): Nestled amidst scenic landscapes, this village offers access to the stunning Burren region. - Kilfenora (circa 1200): Known as the "City of the Crosses," this village boasts a rich ecclesiastical heritage and ancient Celtic crosses. - Kildysart (circa 1812): A tranquil village located on the Shannon Estuary, offering picturesque views and a peaceful atmosphere. - Cratloe (circa 1200): Home to the historic Cratloe Woods, this village is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. - Doonbeg (circa 1802): A coastal village known for its beautiful beach and proximity to the Trump International Golf Links. - Feakle (circa 1610): Famous for its traditional music festival, this village is nestled in the scenic East Clare countryside. - Whitegate (circa 1830): A charming village situated on Lough Derg, offering stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. - Broadford (circa 1800): A picturesque village surrounded by rolling hills and scenic beauty. - Parteen (circa 1800): Located on the banks of the River Shannon, this village offers idyllic riverside views and recreational opportunities. - O'Briensbridge (circa 1800): Known for its picturesque bridge over the River Shannon, this village provides a tranquil setting for visitors. - Mountshannon (circa 1810): Situated on the shores of Lough Derg, this village offers breathtaking views and access to the East Clare Way. - Liscannor (circa 1800): A coastal village renowned for its proximity to the Cliffs of Moher and traditional fishing heritage. - Quilty (circa 1800): A scenic village located on the Wild Atlantic Way, offering stunning coastal views and a peaceful ambiance. - Ballyvaughan (circa 1800): Nestled in the heart of the Burren, this village provides a gateway to the unique karst landscape. - Kilrush (circa 1760): A picturesque village situated on the banks of the River Shannon, historically significant for its maritime activities. - Lisdoonvarna (circa 1800): Famous for its annual matchmaking festival, this village is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. - Spanish Point (circa 1800): A coastal village known for its sandy beach and connection to the Spanish Armada shipwrecks. - Bridgetown (circa 1800): Located on the Loop Head Peninsula, this village offers stunning coastal views and a tranquil atmosphere. - Carrigaholt (circa 1800): A charming village with a rich maritime history and a picturesque castle overlooking the Shannon Estuary. - Labasheeda (circa 1800): Situated on the banks of the River Shannon, this village offers scenic beauty and a peaceful ambiance.

Notable Boundaries, Rivers, and Natural Phenomena: - Shannon Estuary: A scenic estuary formed by the River Shannon, renowned for its diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes. - Loop Head Peninsula: A stunning peninsula characterized by dramatic cliffs, historic lighthouses, and breathtaking coastal scenery. - Burren Landscape: A unique karst region known for its limestone pavements, rare flora, and ancient archaeological sites. - Cliffs of Moher: Majestic cliffs rising over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, offering awe-inspiring views and dramatic coastal scenery. - Lough Derg: A picturesque lake located on the River Shannon, known for its tranquil waters and scenic beauty.

Historical Events in County Clare between 1800 and 1850: - 1803: The Battle of Killaloe took place during the Irish Rebellion of 1803, resulting in the defeat of the rebels by British forces. - 1828: The construction of the Shannon Scheme, a major hydroelectric project, began in Clare, transforming the region's energy infrastructure. - 1849: The Great Famine deeply impacted County Clare, leading to widespread poverty, emigration, and loss of life.

Own a piece of history with this Old Map of Clare by Samuel Lewis in 1844. Explore the past, uncover forgotten towns, and marvel at the beauty of County Clare as it was over a century ago.

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.