Rare Old Map of County Louth by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Dundalk, Drogheda, Ardee, Carlingford, Cooley Peninsula

The Old Map of Louth by Samuel Lewis, created in 1844, is a captivating piece that offers a glimpse into the historical landscape of County Louth, Ireland. This map holds immense value for history enthusiasts and cartography aficionados alike. Its intricate details and accurate depiction of the region make it a fascinating and beautiful map to own.

One of the intriguing aspects of this map is its portrayal of the major towns, cities, and other notable features of County Louth. It is important to note that while some modern cities may not be included on this map, others may appear under earlier names, adding an exciting layer of historical significance. This map provides a unique opportunity to explore the region as it stood in 1844, allowing us to trace the evolution of settlements and landmarks over time.

Notable Settlements Founded Before 1840

• Dundalk (1189): Known for its rich Viking heritage, Dundalk is a bustling town that has played a significant role in Irish history. Its strategic location near the border with Northern Ireland has made it an important center for trade and commerce.
• Drogheda (1194): A town with a storied past, Drogheda boasts a history dating back to ancient times. It was a key stronghold during the Norman invasion and witnessed several pivotal events during the medieval period.
• Ardee (13th century): Nestled in the heart of County Louth, Ardee is a town steeped in history. Its origins can be traced back to the medieval era, and it has been a vibrant hub of trade and culture throughout the centuries.
• Carlingford (12th century): Situated on the scenic Carlingford Lough, this charming town has a rich maritime history. Its picturesque streets and well-preserved medieval architecture make it a popular tourist destination.
• Cooley Peninsula: Jutting out into the Irish Sea, the Cooley Peninsula is a stunning landscape of rugged beauty. Its rolling hills, ancient monuments, and breathtaking views make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Other notable settlements founded before 1840 within County Louth include: - Dromiskin (6th century): Known for its early Christian heritage, Dromiskin is home to the ruins of an ancient monastery. - Tallanstown (15th century): A quaint village with a rich agricultural history, Tallanstown is surrounded by lush green fields and picturesque landscapes. - Togher (12th century): This historic village is renowned for its well-preserved medieval church, which stands as a testament to its past. - Castlebellingham (14th century): A village steeped in medieval charm, Castlebellingham is home to the impressive Bellingham Castle, a testament to its historical significance.

And many more...

Notable Natural Features and Tourist Attractions

• Cooley Mountains: This majestic mountain range dominates the landscape of County Louth, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and mountaineering.
• Carlingford Lough: A picturesque fjord-like inlet, Carlingford Lough is renowned for its natural beauty and is a popular spot for sailing, fishing, and scenic walks along its shores.
• River Boyne: Flowing through County Louth, the River Boyne is steeped in history and legend. It is famous for its association with the Battle of the Boyne, a significant event in Irish history.

Historical Events in County Louth (1800-1850)

• Battle of Tullyallen (1831): A clash between the British Army and Irish rebels, the Battle of Tullyallen was part of the larger Irish Rebellion of 1831. It took place near the village of Tullyallen in County Louth.
• Great Famine (1845-1852): County Louth, like the rest of Ireland, was severely affected by the Great Famine. This devastating period of mass starvation and emigration had a profound impact on the region's population and economy.

Immerse yourself in the rich history and captivating beauty of County Louth with the Old Map of Louth by Samuel Lewis, 1844. This meticulously crafted map offers a window into the past, allowing you to explore the historical landscape and trace the footsteps of those who came before.

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.