Old Map of County Cork by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Cobh, Kinsale, Blarney Castle, Fota House, Mizen Head

This Old Map of Cork by Samuel Lewis, created in 1844, showcases the historical boundaries of County Cork, Ireland. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, with intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship that make it a truly remarkable piece to own. This map presents a unique opportunity to explore the region as it was in the mid-19th century.

One of the intriguing aspects of this map is that it predates the establishment of some modern cities. While Cork, the county's main city, is not included on the map, it provides a chance to discover the smaller towns and settlements that were prominent during that era. Additionally, some modern cities may appear under earlier names, adding an exciting element of historical discovery.

Notable settlements featured on this map include:

• Cobh (Queenstown): Founded in 1750, Cobh served as a significant transatlantic port and was the last port of call for the ill-fated RMS Titanic.
• Kinsale: A historic fishing town renowned for its picturesque harbor and medieval architecture. Kinsale played a pivotal role in Ireland's history, particularly during the Battle of Kinsale in 1601.
• Blarney Castle: Home to the famous Blarney Stone, this medieval stronghold attracts visitors from around the world who seek the gift of eloquence by kissing the stone.
• Fota House: A splendid Georgian mansion surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland. Fota House is a testament to the architectural grandeur of the era.
• Mizen Head: Ireland's most southwesterly point, known for its dramatic cliffs and breathtaking coastal scenery.

Additional settlements founded before 1840 within the historical boundaries of County Cork include:

• Cork City (founded in the 6th century): The largest city in the county, renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture.
• Youghal (founded in the 5th century): A charming coastal town with a medieval core, boasting a wealth of historical sites and a thriving arts scene.
• Midleton (founded in the 12th century): Famous for its distillery, which produces the renowned Jameson Irish whiskey.
• Bandon (founded in 1604): A town steeped in history, known for its Georgian architecture and as the birthplace of Henry Ford's ancestors.
• Skibbereen (founded in the 17th century): Associated with the Great Famine, this town offers a poignant reminder of Ireland's troubled past through its memorial and heritage center.

The historical events in County Cork between 1800 and 1850 include:

• The Rebellion of 1803: A failed uprising against British rule led by Robert Emmet, which had limited impact in County Cork.
• The Great Famine (1845-1852): A devastating period of mass starvation and emigration caused by the failure of the potato crop, profoundly affecting the population of County Cork.

Notable natural features and tourist attractions in County Cork include the picturesque River Lee, the stunning Beara Peninsula, the enchanting Gougane Barra Forest Park, and the captivating Clonakilty Bay.

Owning this Old Map of Cork by Samuel Lewis, created in 1844, allows you to immerse yourself in the historical tapestry of County Cork and appreciate its captivating beauty.

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.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases 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.

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.

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

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.

Some of my old maps are now available as framed canvases. Please contact me if you'd like to order a size that isn't available on my shop.

Canvas old maps are an interesting alternative to conventionally framed maps. Depending on your personal taste and room decor, canvas maps can "pop" a bit more than a framed map.

Learn more about my framed canvas maps.

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 have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 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 maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely 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 how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

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.

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 1,500 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.