An Post has today released a series of four stamps honouring the Irish Breakfast.

To celebrate the Irish Tourism and Hospitality sector, they have released four unique stamps designed by Irish illustrator Ailbhe Phelan. Ailbhe said on her website that she is “both nervous – of how they’ll be received by all and sundry – and very excited”.

The selection of four stamps has a breakfast theme. There is a full Irish, divisively lacking beans, Porridge, a smoothie and a brown bread and tea spread. Talking about how she landed on these, Ailbhe said, “The theme was a perfect one for me, Irish Breakfasts. It was such a good fit that as soon as I had the brief in my little hands, I was easily inspired. There had to be The Irish Fry (no baked beans, puhleese). Porridge was a no brainer (even though I’m not a huge fan of the texture of cooked porridge). The range of Irish Breads – soda farls, brown soda loaf – are items that I make and grace my breakfast table regularly, and yes, I do enjoy a fruity Smoothie, particularly during the summer! My favourite breakfast* treat, a simple boiled egg and soldiers, was chosen for the First Day Cover envelope. “

This project has been in development since the first covid lockdown kicked off. An Post project manager Anne O’Neill worked closely with Ailbhe to develop the collection. Ailbhe described the approval process by the ‘Stamp Committee’ as ‘positive and straightforward’.

The stamps were due to be issued in 2021, but due to early backlogs, Covid-logs, and the fact that some celebration stamps needed to hit non-moveable dates, the issue of this stamp collection was delayed till 2022.

The stamps are available from your local post office now.

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