The Irish postal service, An Post, is planning to signify the celebrations to mark the 1,000th anniversary of the historic Battle of Clontarf by issuing a set of two stamps which will soon become coveted collectors items.
The two stamps have been created by the talented graphic designer, Ger Garland, and are an celebration of Ireland’s rich Viking heritage. The Battle of Clontarf saw the forces of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, emerge victorious against an Irish-Viking alliance on Ireland’s eastern seaboard.
Both stamps are quite distinctive and feature items of Viking craft and an image of the late Brian Boru who lost his life during the battle. The first stamp contains the Waterford Kite Brooch which dates from around 1090. The Celtic brooch is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s finest pieces of late 11th century metalwork and is set against a background map of the ancient Irish city of Waterford, which was founded by the Vikings.
The second stamp has an image of what is believed to be a 10th century Viking sword, found in Christchurch Place in Dublin and on display in the National Museum of Ireland. Its background depicts an image from the Annals of the Four Masters.
The stamps are available to purchase from many of the main post offices throughout Ireland, at the Irish Stamps Shop in Dublin’s General Post Office or online at www.irishstamps.ie.