Old Map of Ireland in 1611 by John Speed - Dublin, Cork, Belfast, Four Provinces

This map of Ireland was published in 1611 by John Speed as part of his celebrated Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine, and remains one of the most beautiful historic maps of the country ever produced. Speed based much of his outline on the earlier work of the Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator, and the map was engraved by Jodocus Hondius. It was hand-coloured over four hundred years ago and remains in remarkable condition for its age.

In the top left corner sits an elaborate cartouche declaring the map to be the Kingdom of Ireland, beneath which are fine engravings of Irish gentlemen and commoners in traditional dress. The country is divided into its four historic provinces of Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connaught, with the major towns and cities of Cork, Dublin and Belfast already clearly marked, even though Ireland's outline appears noticeably different to the coastline we know today. Villages and towns throughout the map are labelled in recognisable Modern English.

This map makes a thoughtful birthday or Christmas gift for anyone with Irish heritage, a housewarming present for a new home in Ireland, or a leaving and retirement gift for a colleague returning to Irish shores. It also suits an anniversary gift for a couple with family ties to the country. The engraving and centuries-old hand colouring have been carefully restored so every cartouche and place name remains crisp and legible.