Rare Old Map of County Monaghan by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Castleblayney, Clones, Ballybay, Carrickmacross, Glaslough

This old map of County Monaghan, Ireland, created by Samuel Lewis in 1844, is a fascinating piece of cartographic history. It provides a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the county's major towns, cities, and other interesting features of the time. While some modern cities may not be depicted on this map, it offers the exciting opportunity to discover earlier names of certain locations that are still present today.

The map showcases the historical boundaries of County Monaghan, allowing you to explore the region as it was in the mid-19th century. Its intricate details and artistic design make it a beautiful addition to any collection or a striking display piece. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a cartography aficionado, or simply appreciate the aesthetic appeal of antique maps, this old map of Monaghan is sure to captivate your imagination.

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

• Monaghan (1611): The county town of Monaghan, originally established in the early 17th century, has a rich history and is known for its Georgian architecture.
• Castleblayney (1661): This town, founded in the mid-17th century, is renowned for its scenic beauty and the nearby Lough Muckno, a popular recreational spot.
• Clones (6th century): With its origins dating back to the early Christian period, Clones is home to the ancient Clones Abbey and is steeped in historical significance.
• Ballybay (1610): Founded in the early 17th century, Ballybay played a role in the linen industry and is now a vibrant market town.
• Carrickmacross (1630): This town, established in the 17th century, is famous for its intricate lace-making tradition and the impressive St. Joseph's Church.
• Glaslough (1660): Known for its stunning Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough is a picturesque village that exudes charm and elegance.

Other notable settlements within the historical boundaries of County Monaghan, founded before 1840, include:

• Newbliss (1610): A village with a rich history, Newbliss is located near the scenic Lough Sillan.
• Emyvale (1610): Situated in the northern part of the county, Emyvale is known for its Gaelic football heritage and picturesque surroundings.
• Smithborough (1610): This village has a strong agricultural tradition and is home to the historic Smithborough Presbyterian Church.
• Scotstown (1610): A village steeped in Gaelic football history, Scotstown is located in the northeastern part of County Monaghan.
• Inniskeen (1610): The birthplace of renowned poet Patrick Kavanagh, Inniskeen is a village that celebrates its literary heritage.

And many more...

Notable natural features in County Monaghan include the River Blackwater, which flows through the county and offers scenic beauty. Additionally, the Monaghan Drumlin Belt, a series of rolling hills formed during the last Ice Age, provides a picturesque landscape for exploration.

Between 1800 and 1850, County Monaghan witnessed significant historical events, including the impact of the Great Famine (1845-1852), which had a profound effect on the population and economy of the region. The struggles and resilience of the people during this period shaped the county's history and are an integral part of its heritage.

Owning this old map of Monaghan allows you to delve into the past and discover the historical treasures of this captivating county.

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.