Offaly connection with An Post stamp launched to mark EU Presidency
An Post marks Ireland’s European Presidency with new stamp with link to Birr’s history
A STAMP launched by An Post to mark Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union has a strong Birr connection.
The stamp reflects the Irish EU Presidency’s official logo, featuring the spiral structure of the nebula, first identified in 1845 in Birr, Co Offaly by the Earl of Rosse. The whirling stars and twenty-seven points, and the colour scheme, evoke both the EU and Ireland, and connect Europe to its shared past and its bright future.
Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, joined fellow Ministers Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport and Thomas Byrne, Minister of State with special responsibility for European Affairs to unveil the stamp.
Ireland will hold the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from July 1st to December 31st 2026.
The 2026 Presidency provides Ireland with an important opportunity to shape EU policy, lead important aspects of the EU’s work, and showcase Ireland’s engagement, expertise and the values at the heart of Europe.
The Presidency will also be the first during which Irish holds full working language status across all EU institutions. The use of Irish within European affairs will include official communications and council meetings with guidance to help government departments to support the use of the Irish language during the Presidency.
The ‘E’ rate stamp, covering postage to the UK and Europe is designed by Dublin based studio, Boyle Design and is now officially available to the public.
Minister McEntee said: “As Ireland begins our eighth term holding the EU Presidency, this stamp is a reminder of Ireland’s place at the heart of the European Union. It marks the beginning of a significant responsibility for Ireland, and a moment of real opportunity for our country to shape the European agenda at a time of profound change and challenge. Our Presidency will focus its efforts on enhancing the competitiveness of our economy, safeguarding the values of our Union at home and abroad, and providing for the security of all our citizens.”
Minister Byrne aid: “Stamps are part of everyday life for many of us and the introduction of this special Irish EU Presidency stamp will act as a small reminder of the many ways that Ireland’s EU membership has made Ireland a better place to live and work in. The special EU Presidency stamp will also mark our eighth EU Presidency, when Ireland will take the lead in delivering an agenda that benefits European households and businesses, now and into the future.”
Manager of Irish Stamps, Aileen Mooney said: “An Post is delighted to mark Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union on behalf of the State. This stamp will travel around Europe on post, as an ambassador for our Presidency and using this stamp is a great way for Irish citizens to show their support for European Institutions, more important now than ever.”
The commemorative stamp and a specially designed first day cover envelope marking Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union are available to purchase online www.anpost.com/shop with free postage and in selected post offices nationwide from Thursday July 2nd.