Ballisodare Heritage Map
In April 2025, I was commissioned by Ballisodare Heritage Group to create a map of Ballisodare highlighting the town’s historical points of interest. The project was funded through Heritage Keepers – Projects.
For this work, I chose to use high-quality colouring pencils. Colour vibrancy was a key priority, and this medium provided both the richness of colour and the control necessary for detailed map-making. Because the project involved input from multiple people, a versatile medium was essential. The flexibility of pencils allowed for adjustments and refinements as decisions were made collectively, before moving on to the final stage of the map’s creation.
The Ballisodare Heritage Map Installed
My process:
Ann, a member of the group, first communicated the vision for the Ballisodare Heritage Map and kindly provided reference images,including a map of the town via email. With further online research, I began to build an understanding of Ballisodare, its vibrant community, and its rich heritage. However, research alone could only take me so far. Soon after, I travelled to Ballisodare to meet Ann in person, and she generously gave me a tour of the town. Experiencing the place firsthand gave me a much stronger sense of its character and people. I also walked through Union Wood and spent a few nights in Sligo, which deepened my connection to the area.
Before beginning the main map, I shared initial sketches of the key points of interest with the group. These early drafts allowed for feedback and discussion. Following a group meeting, Ann relayed changes to me over a phone call. One challenge I faced was with Ballisodare Abbey—while the arch remains visible, much of it is now concealed within a quarry area, making it difficult to represent clearly.
The only option I had was to find a way of suggesting the Abbey’s presence without over-representing what is no longer fully visible. After discussing it with the group, we agreed to include a subtle but clear illustration of the arch as a symbolic marker, acknowledging its historical importance while also respecting its current condition.
With these adjustments made, I refined the sketches and moved forward into the final map process. Using high-quality colouring pencils allowed me to layer colours, build vibrancy, and highlight each point of interest in a way that felt both engaging and accessible. The collaborative approach—sharing drafts, receiving feedback, and making revisions—ensured that the final map was not only visually appealing but also an authentic reflection of Ballisodare’s heritage and community spirit.
The complete map was posted to the Ballisodare Heritage Group approching the funding deadline.
