Rare Old Map of County Westmeath by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Mullingar, Athlone, Kilbeggan, Moate, Fore

This old map of County Westmeath, Ireland, created by Samuel Lewis in 1844, is a captivating piece that offers a glimpse into the historical landscape of the region. With its intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship, this map is a must-have for history enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Featuring the main towns, cities, and other interesting features of County Westmeath, this map showcases the vibrant heritage of the area. 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 discovery.

Notable settlements founded before 1840 within the historical boundaries of County Westmeath include:

• Mullingar (1194): The largest town in Westmeath, Mullingar is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
• Athlone (900s): Situated on the River Shannon, Athlone is a historic town with a strategic location that has played a significant role in Irish history.
• Kilbeggan (6th century): Home to the famous Kilbeggan Distillery, one of the oldest licensed distilleries in the world, Kilbeggan has a long-standing tradition in whiskey production.
• Moate (12th century): Moate is a charming market town with a fascinating past, including its connection to the O'Madden clan and the historic Moate Castle.
• Fore (630): Known for its ancient monastic ruins and the legendary "Seven Wonders of Fore," this small village holds great historical and archaeological significance.

The following settlements, among others, also contribute to the historical fabric of County Westmeath:

• Rochfortbridge (1750): This town was established around the time of the construction of the Rochfortbridge Bridge, which facilitated transportation across the River Shannon.
• Kinnegad (6th century): With origins dating back to early Christian times, Kinnegad is steeped in history and is situated along important historical routes.
• Castlepollard (14th century): Castlepollard is notable for its well-preserved castle ruins and its connection to the influential Pollard family.
• Killucan (6th century): A town with a long history, Killucan is associated with the ancient Clann Cholmáin dynasty and St. Etchen's Church.
• Delvin (9th century): Delvin is home to the impressive Delvin Castle, which played a role in the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland.

Additional settlements founded before 1840 within County Westmeath include: Ballynacargy (13th century), Tyrrellspass (15th century), Drumraney (6th century), Ballinalack (13th century), Collinstown (15th century), Rathowen (13th century), Streete (13th century), Castletown Geoghegan (13th century), Streamstown (13th century), Clonmellon (13th century), Raharney (6th century), Ballinahown (13th century), Milltownpass (18th century), Tang (6th century), Loughnavalley (6th century), Dysart (6th century), Rathconrath (13th century), Castletown-Finea (13th century), Moyvore (6th century), Lismacaffrey (6th century), and Taghmon (6th century).

County Westmeath is blessed with natural beauty and fascinating landmarks. Notable features include the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland, which flows through the county, providing picturesque landscapes and opportunities for water-based activities. Lough Ree, a large lake on the River Shannon, offers scenic views and recreational pursuits. The Hill of Uisneach, an ancient ceremonial site and the symbolic center of Ireland, is another remarkable attraction within the county.

Between 1800 and 1850, County Westmeath witnessed significant historical events. These include the impact of the Irish Rebellion of 1798, the Act of Union in 1800, which merged the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland, and the devastating effects of the Great Famine, which occurred from 1845 to 1852.

Own a piece of history with this meticulously crafted old map of County Westmeath by Samuel Lewis. Discover the historical tapestry of the region, explore the notable settlements, and immerse yourself in the captivating stories of the past.

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.