Maps

Maps

The James Hardiman Library's substantial map collection comprises many different types of map, both historical and current. Maps are available in print and manuscript format, on microfilm, and electronically. The Library acquires cartographic material on legal deposit, by purchase and donation. The collection is constantly being developed as resources permit. Most maps relate to the island of Ireland, but there is a small collection of international maps.

Please see Map Resources in the Library and Online for detailed information about our map holdings.

The collection includes maps published by the Ordnance Survey of Ireland since the 1840s. The Library also has historical maps of Ireland, Connacht and Galway, plus historical street maps of the major cities and towns of Ireland. The library holds archaeological maps for County Galway. 

Most maps are located in map cabinets adjacent to the General Reference books on the ground floor. Some maps are held in cabinets underneath the stairs, also at ground floor level.  Microfilm map  collections can be accessed in the Archives & Special Collections Reading room in the Hardiman Building. Copies of some historical maps are available in the Special Collections Reading Room or by appointment with the Archivist.  If you require assistance with the map collection, please contact staff at the Library & IT Service Desk or in the Special Collections Reading Room.

The Library also has a collection of atlases, located in a wooden shelf unit beside the metal map cabinets. The collection includes international and Irish atlases.

The Library holds many books, indexes and journals that help to contextualize the map collections.

Many maps are available online, and a guide to some of those is available at Irish Maps Online.

A detailed guide to using our Map Collections is available in print, or download Map Resources in the Library and Online.