Rare Old Pictorial Map of Ireland by Bullock, 1955: Historic Battles, Family Names, Coats of Arms

Dive into the rich tapestry of Ireland's past with the "Historical Map of Ireland," a masterful creation by LG Bullock from the year 1955. This map is a testament to Bullock's expertise as a geographer and cartographer, having honed his skills with the Ordnance Survey of Ireland and contributed to the Royal Irish Academy. His work presents not just a geographical representation of Ireland, but a vibrant narrative of its history, adorned with pictorial illustrations that bring to life the events, clans, and landmarks that have shaped the nation. The map's thematic focus on Ireland's historical depth, combined with its pictorial elegance, makes it a unique artifact that transcends the mere function of mapping.

The "Historical Map of Ireland" is distinguished by its detailed portrayal of the coats of arms of Ireland's main cities and towns, a feature that adds a layer of heraldic significance and visual appeal. This decorative element, coupled with the map's comprehensive coverage of cathedrals, abbeys, castles, and battle sites, offers a window into the historical and cultural fabric of Ireland. Each symbol and illustration is carefully chosen to represent the thematic focus on history, making the map a colorful and informative guide to Ireland's storied past.

Significantly, the map showcases the ancient clan and family names of Ireland, tracing the lineage and territorial domains that have played pivotal roles in the country's history. This feature is invaluable for genealogists, historians, and anyone interested in the ancestral roots and societal structures of Ireland. By mapping out the distribution of clans and families, Bullock provides insights into the social dynamics and historical conflicts that have shaped the nation, making the map a rich resource for understanding Ireland's heritage.

The geographical scope of the map, encompassing the whole of Ireland including Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as well as parts of Scotland, England, and Wales, ensures a comprehensive view of the Irish landscape and its historical connections. This wide coverage allows for a deeper appreciation of Ireland's place within the broader context of British and Celtic history, highlighting the interconnectedness of these regions through various historical epochs.

In essence, the "Historical Map of Ireland" by LG Bullock is more than just a map; it is a historical document, a work of art, and a narrative of Ireland's past. Its thematic and pictorial style, combined with the detailed illustrations of significant events, landmarks, and family names, makes it a valuable and beautiful addition to any collection. Whether for educational purposes, genealogical research, or simply as a piece of art to be admired, this map invites exploration and appreciation of Ireland's rich history and cultural legacy.

Places on this map

• Achill Island
• Adare
• Aran Islands
• Armagh
• Athlone
• Aughrim
• Avoca
• Bagenalstown
• Balbriggan
• Ballina
• Ballinasloe
• Baltimore
• Bantry
• Belfast
• Birr
• Boyle
• Bray
• Bundoran
• Cahirciveen
• Carlingford
• Carlow
• Carrickfergus
• Carrick-on-Shannon
• Cashel
• Castlebar
• Castlecomer
• Cavan
• Clifden
• Clonakilty
• Clonmel
• Cobh
• Coleraine
• Cong
• Connemara
• Cork
• Dingle
• Donegal
• Drogheda
• Dublin
• Dundalk
• Dungannon
• Dungarvan
• Ennis
• Enniscorthy
• Enniskillen
• Fermoy
• Galway
• Glendalough
• Gorey
• Kilkenny
• Killarney
• Kilrush
• Kinsale
• Letterkenny
• Limerick
• Lisburn
• Listowel
• Londonderry
• Longford
• Lough Derg
• Lough Neagh
• Mallow
• Maynooth
• Midleton
• Monaghan
• Mullingar
• Naas
• Navan
• Nenagh
• New Ross
• Newry
• Omagh
• Portlaoise
• Portrush
• Queenstown
• Roscommon
• Rosslare
• Sligo
• Strabane
• Swords
• Thurles
• Tipperary
• Tralee
• Trim
• Tuam
• Waterford
• Westport
• Wexford
• Wicklow

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Historical Map of Ireland
• Focuses on the detailed history of Ireland
• Includes significant places where important events occurred
• Includes significant routes or trails
• Includes major cities
• Includes camps
• Includes historic landmarks
• Includes historic battles or events that occurred here

Historical and design context

• Created by LG Bullock in 1955
• LG Bullock was a geographer and cartographer who worked for the Ordnance Survey of Ireland and was a member of the Royal Irish Academy
• The map is a pictorial map, using pictures and symbols to illustrate features
• Thematic maps focus on a particular theme or subject, such as history
• Shows the coats of arms of the main cities and towns in Ireland
• Shows the locations of cathedrals, abbeys, castles, and battle sites
• Shows the ancient clan and family names of Ireland
• Covers the whole of Ireland, including Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
• Valuable resource for learning about the history of Ireland and a beautiful work of art

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 every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.

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

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

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.