Ireland has a rich and varied postal history dating back to the 17th century. The first postage stamps were issued in 1840, and since then, Ireland has issued a wide range of stamps depicting its history, culture, and natural beauty.

Collecting Irish postage stamps can be a rewarding hobby for people of all ages. It is a great way to learn about Irish history and culture.

Here are a few tips for collecting Irish postage stamps:

• Decide what type of stamps you want to collect. There are many different types of Irish stamps to choose from, including commemorative stamps, definitive stamps, and special occasion stamps. You can also collect stamps by topic, such as Irish wildlife, Irish history, or Irish culture.

• Set a budget. Stamp collecting can be an expensive hobby, but it doesn’t have to be; it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. There are many ways to collect stamps on a budget, such as buying stamps from online retailers.

• Find a good source for stamps. There are many different places to buy Irish stamps, including stamp dealers, online retailers, and auction houses. It is important to find a reputable source for stamps to ensure that you are buying authentic stamps. In the United States, it’s a good policy to buy from sellers who are Dealer-Members of the American Philatelic Society, such as the Sonora Stamp Shop

• Store your stamps properly. Stamps should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You can store your stamps in stamp albums, stamp holders, or stamp envelopes.

• Learn about Irish stamps. The more you know about Irish stamps, the more enjoyable your collecting hobby will be. There are many books and websites that provide information about Irish stamps. There are also organizations, such as the Éire Philatelic Association (which unfortunately no longer publishes a newsletter) and the Irish Philatelic Society, located in Dublin.

Here are a few of the most popular Irish stamps to collect:

• The first Irish postage stamp, issued in 1840, is a valuable stamp. It depicts the portrait of Queen Victoria.

• The Irish Independence stamps, issued in 1922, are another popular set of stamps. These stamps commemorate the independence of Ireland from the United Kingdom.

• The Irish wildlife stamps, issued in the 1970s, depict a variety of Irish wildlife, including the Irish wolfhound, the Irish hare, and the Irish elk.

• The Irish culture stamps, issued in the 1980s and 1990s, depict a variety of aspects of Irish culture, such as Irish music, Irish dance, and Irish literature.

• The Irish Millennium stamps, issued in 1999, commemorate the millennium. These stamps depict a variety of Irish landmarks and symbols.

Stamp collecting is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you are interested in collecting Irish postage stamps, there are many resources available to help you get started.

Happy Collecting!