100 Years of Broadcasting - National Stamp

In 1926, at a time when the Irish Free State was still very new, Ireland established its first radio station, 2RN. It was officially opened by Douglas Hyde, who would become Ireland’s first President in 1938, and was run by the Irish Post Office, under the Department of Posts and Telegraphs.

Funded by licence fees, advertising revenue and import duties on wireless sets and components, 2RN created a platform for content that was home-grown. Under the directorship of Séamus Clandillon – a well known folk singer and a major contributor to programming – its office was located on Little Denmark Street in Dublin’s north inner city.

2RN moved into the General Post Office on O’Connell Street in Dublin in 1928. In 1933, it was taken over by Radio Athlone, which was renamed Radio Éireann in 1937. Radio Éireann operated from the GPO until 1976. From its early work, which paved the way for native Irish broadcasting and content, it became a world-class operator in radio.

Ireland’s state broadcaster, Radio Telefís Éireann’s, RTÉ studios are now based in Donnybrook, Dublin 4. The broadcaster offers an array of broadcasting platforms, including digital and online, for radio, television and the RTÉ player, which includes a mix of vibrant public service and commercial programming.

Our commemorative stamp evokes Ireland’s rich history with broadcasting, through a variety of media that are now seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. This began with the medium of radio, which once seemed almost magical in its transformative effect, bringing news and entertainment into homes all over the country.

Product code 2601N