Physical Maps

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Physical maps were very useful for travellers in the past. Before modern roads, railways and airports, were developed, the mountains the bogs and rivers of Ireland were major problems for travellers.
Having a map which showed the best way from place to place could save days. All types of travellers, from invading armies to casual visitors, needed good physical maps. This map of Laois, or Queen's County as it was known at the time, is from 1563. See the image below to take a closer look at the dense forests which covered Laois back then.


The map on the right is a map of Ireland from 1837. Its purpose was to show roads, canal and rivers. It also includes mountains and lakes, and so is a good example of a physical map.