Old Map of County Donegal by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Ballyshannon, Letterkenny, Dunfanaghy, Killybegs, Glenveagh National Park

The Old Map of Donegal by Samuel Lewis, created in 1844, is a captivating and historically significant piece that offers a glimpse into the past. This map showcases the intricate details of County Donegal, Ireland, during the mid-19th century. It serves as a window to a time when cartography was a meticulous craft, and maps were not only navigational tools but also works of art.

This map presents an opportunity to explore the region's rich history and discover its fascinating features. While some modern cities may not be depicted on this map, it is intriguing to find earlier settlements under different names or witness the absence of certain urban developments. The Old Map of Donegal by Samuel Lewis, 1844, invites you to embark on a journey through time and immerse yourself in the historical landscape of County Donegal.

Notable Settlements Founded Before 1840:

• Letterkenny (c. 1622): Founded during the plantation of Ulster, Letterkenny is now the largest town in County Donegal and serves as a vibrant commercial and cultural hub.
• Ballyshannon (c. 1613): With a history dating back to the early 17th century, Ballyshannon is known as the oldest town in Ireland. It boasts a rich heritage and stunning natural surroundings.
• Dunfanaghy (c. 1700): Nestled on the shores of Sheephaven Bay, Dunfanaghy is a charming coastal village with a long history of fishing and tourism.
• Killybegs (c. 1660): Situated on the coast, Killybegs has a deep-rooted maritime tradition and is renowned for its fishing industry, making it one of Ireland's busiest fishing ports.
• Glenveagh National Park (c. 1760): This picturesque national park is home to the stunning Glenveagh Castle and encompasses vast landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and forests.

Additional Notable Settlements Founded Before 1840:

• Donegal (c. 1400): The historical county town of County Donegal, known for its medieval castle and scenic location on Donegal Bay.
• Buncrana (c. 1718): A vibrant town situated on the Inishowen Peninsula, offering breathtaking coastal views and historical sites.
• Moville (c. 1608): A picturesque seaside town with a rich maritime heritage, located on the eastern shore of the Inishowen Peninsula.
• Carndonagh (c. 1614): An ancient town with a strong Gaelic heritage, Carndonagh is home to the impressive Donagh Cross.
• Rathmullan (c. 1618): A charming coastal village renowned for its sandy beaches and historical significance, including the Flight of the Earls in 1607.

And the list continues with 20 more notable settlements founded before 1840.

Notable Natural Features and Tourist Attractions:

• Slieve League: These awe-inspiring sea cliffs, among the highest in Europe, offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Lough Eske: A stunning lake surrounded by lush landscapes, providing a tranquil setting for outdoor activities and relaxation.
• Bluestack Mountains: This picturesque mountain range offers scenic hikes and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
• Glenveagh Castle: A magnificent Victorian-era castle located within Glenveagh National Park, surrounded by beautiful gardens and stunning scenery.
• Donegal Bay: A natural harbor and estuary that stretches along the coast, offering picturesque views and opportunities for water-based activities.

Historical Events in County Donegal (1800-1850):

• 1803 Rebellion: A failed uprising against British rule led by Robert Emmet, which had limited impact in County Donegal.
• Great Famine (1845-1852): County Donegal, like the rest of Ireland, experienced the devastating effects of the potato blight, resulting in widespread hunger, emigration, and loss of life.

Own a piece of history with the Old Map of Donegal by Samuel Lewis, 1844, and delve into the captivating past of County Donegal, Ireland. Explore the settlements, natural wonders, and historical events that shaped this remarkable region.

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.

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.