Discoverer maps are the Northern Irish equivalent of the OS Landranger series and every bit as good. They are designed for walkers, ramblers, off-road cyclists and horse riders, but also contain extensive information for the casual tourist. There are no Explorer equivalent maps (1:25 000 scale) for Ireland but the Discoverer mapping is very detailed (possibly a bit too much) and should present no problem for the walker. Relief is shown by layered tints with contours at 10 metre vertical intervals (this really makes the map rather attractive). The map shows footpaths, tracks and waymarked walks as well as cycle routes including the National Cycle Network.
The map provides comprehensive information on land features including canals, footbridges, tidal limits, marsh, cliffs, various types of woodland, National Trust land as well as more general detail such as churches, post office and public houses. Information for tourists includes camp and caravan sites, gardens, golf courses, information and visitor centres, yacht clubs, picnic sites, public conveniences, telephones, viewpoints, bus stations and youth hostels. The tourist and leisure information is also written in French and German.
The reverse side of new Discoverer maps is devoted to townlands. Every Northern Ireland townland on the sheet has been mapped and is accompanied by a fully integrated index.
There are 93 sheets in the series in total which cover the entirety of Ireland; 18 "Discoverer" maps are produced by Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland to cover areas in Northern Ireland and running alongside these 75 "Discovery" maps are published by Ordnance Survey Ireland to cover Southern Ireland.
Finally, thank goodness the thirsty traveller will be able to at last find relief (see Discovery maps)!