Old Map of County Clare by Petty, 1685: Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Loop Head, Kilrush
This map of County Clare, originally published in 1685 by Sir William Petty, is a detailed political and physical map that provides a wealth of information about the county during the late 17th century. The map is based on the Down Survey of Ireland, the first detailed land survey on a national scale anywhere in the world, which was conducted between 1656 and 1658. Petty’s map is a reduced scale version of the Down Survey, but it still manages to capture the remarkable level of detail that was achieved by the original survey.
The map covers the entire county of Clare, located in the western province of Munster in Ireland. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, County Galway to the north, County Tipperary to the east, and County Limerick to the south. The map shows the county’s physical features, including hills, forests, rivers, lakes, and loughs, as well as its political divisions, such as baronies and parishes. The map also includes roads, bridges, cities, towns, and other settlements, as well as bishopricks and archbishopricks.
One of the most striking features of the map is its intricate level of detail. Petty has included a wealth of information on the map, including the names of even the smallest settlements and landmarks. The map also shows the locations of castles, churches, and other important buildings. The level of detail on the map is a testament to Petty’s skill as a cartographer and his commitment to accuracy.
The map is also notable for its beautiful design and style. Petty has used a variety of colors and symbols to distinguish between different features on the map. The map is also very well organized, with the different elements clearly labeled and easy to find. The overall effect is a map that is both informative and visually appealing.
This map is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and geography of County Clare. It provides a wealth of information about the county during the late 17th century, and it is a beautiful example of cartographic art.
This is an old map from 1685, so not every modern place is shown, or they may be on the map with a different name. If this was a modern map, covering the same area, the following things would be visible on the map:
Cities and Towns
– Ennis
– Killaloe
– Quin
– Corofin
– Kilrush
– Kilkee
– Loop Head
– Doolin
– Ballyvaughan
– Lisdoonvarna
National Parks and Major Parks
– None
Historic Landmarks
– Bunratty Castle
– Knappogue Castle
– Craggaunowen
– Poulnabrone Dolmen
– The Burren
– Cliffs of Moher
Historical Events
– The Down Survey of Ireland (1656-1658)
– The Cromwellian confiscations (1649-1653)
– The Williamite War in Ireland (1689-1691)
Additional Towns and Villages in County Clare
– Ardnacrusha
– Ballynacally
– Ballyvaughan
– Barefield
– Bodyke
– Boston
– Broadford
– Bunratty
– Carrigaholt
– Carron
– Clarecastle
– Clonlara
– Clonroad
– Cooraclare
– Corofin
– Cratloe
– Cree
– Crusheen
– Doolin
– Ennistymon
– Fanore
– Feakle
– Fenit
– Fergus
– Kilbaha
– Kilfenora
– Killimer
– Kilmihil
– Kilrush
– Kilshanny
– Knock
– Labasheeda
– Lahinch
– Liscannor
– Lisdoonvarna
– Lissycasey
– Miltown Malbay
– Mountshannon
– Moy
– Mullagh
– Newmarket-on-Fergus
– O’Briensbridge
– Parteen
– Quilty
– Ruan
– Scariff
– Sixmilebridge
– Spanish Point
– Tulla
– Tuamgraney
– Whitegate
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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.
