Map of Ireland – a detail

 An old perspective in a new light?

East and West from their proper perspective – this is one of the first maps of Ireland. It dates from the Sixteenth Century. It was given to me by a dear friend, Dr Liam Smith formerly of Goldsmiths College, University of London.

There are several things which are notable in this map other than its East/ West perspective which differs from the usual north/South representation to which we’re habituated.

it is indeed a thing of beauty and a joy forever. it names the kingdoms in Latin – Mononia – Munster; Langinia – Leinster; Connacia – Connaught;  and Hultonia – Ulster. My own hometown Cashel is beautifully represented with a little engraving of the famous Rock – including the round tower –  it is spelled Cass Hyll. The Countie is named as Tibarary – the palatine of the earls of Ormond.