An Post latest Stamps showcase rich Archaeological heritage
8 May 2025
An Post’s latest stamp set showcases incredibly rare Irish archaeological discoveries currently held in the National Museum.
The ‘N’ national rate stamp, which covers postage across the island of Ireland, features an 8th century bronze ladle adorned with a human face which was discovered in Ballynapark, County Wicklow.
The ‘W’ international rate stamp for posting worldwide features a Viking brooch of cast copper alloy with gilt, silver and glass from around the 9th century. This remarkable brooch is one of a pair found buried alongside a woman believed to have been one of the earliest Viking settlers in what is now Finglas village, Dublin.
A special First Day Cover envelope displays both stamps and a striking image of the Ultimate La Tene style disc from the 6th century which was discovered in County Westmeath. Designed by Ger Garland, all items are available at selected Post Offices nationwide and online at anpost.com/shop (with free delivery).
Keeper of Irish Antiquities, Maeve Sikora who chose both pieces to feature on the stamps, spoke about her delight on seeing this collaboration come to life: “The importance of these two artefacts featuring on Irish stamps is that they allow us to thread though those rich, deep connections from the past into our future. This new stamp pair echoes that theme, keeping meaningful connections as part of our everyday life, no matter where you are in the world. Both the stamps and the artefacts celebrate our connectedness and we in the National Museum of Ireland are thrilled that they are featured in this important series”.
An Post’s National Archaeological Discoveries stamp issue is part of the 2025 Europa series of stamps. Since the early 1960s, postal companies across Europe select a common theme for an annual stamp issue.
The antiquities featured and ongoing archaeological discoveries provide us with insights and links to the past, reminding us of our rich prehistory and telling us so much about how people lived and their impact on how we live today. The Finglas brooch is on display in the Viking Ireland gallery of the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin. Admission is free for everybody, Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday/Monday 1pm-5pm.
