Historical Maps of Ireland

As I have developed this blog and write about the various ancient sites around Ireland, I have naturally developed a series of maps. These cover various different formats ranging from historical fantasy reconstructions, to data visualisations, and bespoke historical graphics of ancient Ireland. All images are subject to copyright. You may share these images for non-commercial use with attribution. For commercial use, please contact me.

For anyone interested in purchasing high definition versions of these maps please check out my page on Etsy where I’m slowly adding these maps to my profile: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MappingIreland

Interactive Maps of Historical Sites in Ireland

I’ve created a series of interactive maps which each show the distribution and background on historical sites across the whole of Ireland. Each is embedded within individual posts which provide analysis and background on the specific topic. See the links below for each one:

Megalithic Sites of Ireland
Rock Art across Ireland
Standing Stones
Iron Age Buildings (Ringforts and Crannogs)
Bullaun Stones

Data Visualisations of Ireland’s Historical Sites

As a data scientist by trade, I cannot help but apply some of that knowledge here to my love for ancient Irish history. Thankfully there are many online, freely available datasets which have been produced in Northern Ireland and the Republic. These extensively map historical monuments ranging from megalithic tombs, to castles and stone circles. Below are the links to these sources:

Map of the distribution of Prehistoric burial sites across Ireland covering barrows, cists and ring-cairns based on NMS and DfC data — Prehistoric burials sites across Ireland

Map of all recorded megalithic tombs and sites across Ireland including Wedge, Portal, Court, Passage and Boulder Tombs. — Prehistoric burials sites across Ireland

Regional Maps of Ancient Sites across Ireland

You can see the static maps below, or select these links to see the interactive maps for each. These allow you to zoom in and see all associated descriptive detail which is useful for anyone visiting or research these areas.

North Antrim Historical Interactive Map

Ancient Historical Sites across Belfast mapped from Department for Communities data by Daniel Kirkpatrick

Historical sites mapped across north Antrim in Northern Ireland using data from the Department for Communities by Daniel Kirkpatrick — Ancient Historical Sites across Belfast mapped from Department for Communities data by Daniel Kirkpatrick

Image of ancient historical sites in Ireland — Black and white map of Ancient Historical Sites across Ireland

Map of Ireland's ancient highways by Daniel Kirkpatrick — Black and white map of Ancient Historical Sites across Ireland

Irish Historical Reconstruction Maps

As I research different historical sites, I will review the archaeological evacuation reports in detail to understand the layout and design. Using these – with some creative license – I have begun reconstructing some of the sites as I imagine them. These maps should be viewed as historical fantasy. Personally they are my favourite. If you’ve any ideas for new ones to develop, please do get in contact.

Hill of Tara, Ireland, reconstruction of the Iron Age site based on archaeological site data created by Daniel Kirkpatrick

Historical reconstruction of Dundrum Castle in County Down, Northern Ireland created by Daniel Kirkpatrick — Hill of Tara, Ireland, reconstruction of the Iron Age site based on archaeological site data created by Daniel Kirkpatrick

Thanks for viewing my maps. If you’d like to read about any of the historical or mythological background for any of these, please feel free to browse my other pages: