"The Province of Connaugh with the Citie of Galwaye Described", Speed, John

This beautiful and detailed early map of the province of Connacht includes the counties of Galway, Clare, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon and many cities, towns and topographical details. The fortified city of Galway is shown in a large inset with the Galway River flowing by, complete with boats and ships. The seas are fully engraved and filled with fancy lettering. The map is adorned with three extravagant cartouches: one for the title, topped with English and Irish heraldry; one for the scale of Irish miles with a pair of cherubs; and an especially dramatic one suspended from an elaborate compass rose with more cherubs and strapwork decoration. The map has the imprint of Roger Rea the Elder, indicating it was published circa 1665. The verso contains related English text describing the history and people of the region.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.SPE-1h.

Condition: B

Attractive color with a faint damp stain adjacent to the centerfold at both left and right along with a few wormholes near the map border. There are several tiny holes along the centerfold at top and a separation extending into the bottom border that has been repaired on verso with old paper.