Irishmen were at the heart of Antarctic expeditions during what is regarded as the ‘golden age’ of such missions in the 1800s and early 1900s. It is fitting therefore that we salute these courageous explorers by issuing four stamps to highlight the role played by eight Irishmen, who were members of various challenging and pioneering expeditions.

Kilkea, County Kildare-born Ernest Shackletonand Tom Crean from near Annascaul, County Kerry have achieved wide recognition over the years but the other six explorers featured on our stamps are less well-known.

These are Ballinacurra, County Corkborn Edward Bransfield, Patrick Keohane (Courtmacsherry, County Cork), Robert Forde (Bandon, County Cork), Francis Crozier (Banbridge, County Down) and brothers Tim and Mortimer McCarthy from Kinsale, County Cork.

Product code 2107NST