Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe. Geopolitically, the island is divided between the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland – a sovereign state covering five-sixths of the island) and Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom – covering the remaining sixth).
It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel, the Irish Sea, and St George's Channel. Ireland is the second-largest island of the British Isles, the third-largest in Europe, and the twentieth-largest in the world.
As of 2022, the population of the entire island is just over 7 million, with 5.1 million in the Republic of Ireland and 1.9 million in Northern Ireland, ranking it the second-most populous island in Europe after Great Britain.
The geography of Ireland comprises relatively low-lying mountains surrounding a central plain, with several navigable rivers extending inland. Its lush vegetation is a product of its mild but changeable climate which is free of extremes in temperature. Much of Ireland was woodland until the end of the Middle Ages.
Today, woodland makes up about 10% of the island, compared with a European average of over 33%, with most of it being non-native conifer plantations.The Irish climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and thus very moderate, and winters are milder than expected for such a northerly area, although summers are cooler than those in continental Europe. Rainfall and cloud cover are abundant.
Face value | Family number | English name | Scientific name
1978.01
26.10.1978
Irish currency

8p
49
Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
1979.01
30.08.1979
Birds

8p
217
Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
10p
34
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
11p
8
Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons
17p
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
1983.01
23.06.1983
Irish dogs
5v set

26p
8
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
1983.02
23.06.1983
Irish dogs
5v sheet
1983.01

26p
8
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
1987.01
17.11.1987
Christmas
3v set

21p
27
European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur
and
13
Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa
1989.01
05.10.1989
Game birds

24p
13
Red Grouse Lagopus scotica
28p
43
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
39p
49
Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
46p
13
Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
1989.02
05.10.1989
Game birds
Sheet
1989.01

24p
13
Red Grouse Lagopus scotica
28p
43
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
39p
49
Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
46p
13
Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
1992.01
09.07.1992
WWF
4v set

52p
184
Great Tit Parus major
1996.01
24.09.1996
Fresh water ducks

32p
8
Eurasian Teal Anas crecca
38p
8
Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata
44p
8
Eurasian Wigeon Mareca penelope
52p
8
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
1996.02
24.09.1996
Fresh water ducks
Sheet
1996.01

32p
8
Eurasian Teal Anas crecca
38p
8
Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata
44p
8
Eurasian Wigeon Mareca penelope
52p
8
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
1997.01
16.01.1997
Birds

28p
184
Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus
p 15x14, s 27x24½ mm
32p
227
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
44p
54
Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
52p
79
Western Barn Owl Tyto alba
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
1£
8
Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons
p 15x14, s 27x48½ mm
1997.02
06.03.1997
Birds, Robin
Booklet
![]()
32p
227
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
p 15x14, s 20½x24½ mm, cl
32p
227
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
p 15x14, s 20½x24½ mm, cr
1997.03
06.03.1997
Birds, Falcon and Robin
Strip, sa, ISS

32p
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
p 9x10, s 25x30 mm
32p
227
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
p 9x10, s 25x30 mm
1997.04
01.04.1997
Birds, Falcon and Robin
Strip, sa, SNP

32p
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
p 11½, s 25x30 mm
32p
227
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
p 11½, s 25x30 mm
1997.05
14.05.1997
Europa, Tales and legends
2v set

32p
8
Mute Swan Cygnus olor
1997.06
14.05.1997
Europa, Tales and legends
2v set, sa
1997.05

32p
8
Mute Swan Cygnus olor
1997.07
29.05.1997
Pacific 97
p 14¼x14

2£
8
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
MS
1997.08
27.08.1997
Birds

1p
168
Eurasian Magpie Pica pica
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
2p
66
Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
4p
30
Corn Crake Crex crex
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
10p
90
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
20p
43
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
5£
8
Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
p 15x14, s 27x48½ mm
1997.09
06.12.1997
Birds, Corncrake and Falcon
Booklet
![]()
4p
30
Corn Crake Crex crex
p 15x14, s 20½x24½ mm, cl
32p
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
p 15x14, s 20½x24½ mm, cl
32p
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
p 15x14, s 20½x24½ mm, cr
1998.01
02.04.1998
Birds

5p
27
Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus
p 15x14, s 27x24½ mm
30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
35p
227
European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
40p
43
Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
p 15x14, s 27x24½ mm
45p
226
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
50p
78
Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
p 15x14, s 27x24½ mm
2£
8
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
p 14x15, s 48½x27 mm
1998.02
02.04.1998
Birds, Woodpigeon and Blackbird
Booklet
![]()
5p
27
Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus
p 14x15, s 24½x20½ mm, cb
30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 15x14, s 20½x24½ mm, cr
1998.03
02.04.1998
Birds, Blackbird and Goldcrest
Strip, sa, ISS

30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 9x10, s 25x30 mm
30p
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 9x10, s 25x30 mm
1998.04
02.04.1998
Birds, Blackbird and Goldcrest
Strip, sa, SNP

30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 11½, s 25x30 mm
30p
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 11½, s 25x30 mm
1998.05
04.09.1998
Birds, Blackbird and Goldcrest
Booklet, chsp
![]()
30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm, ct
30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm, cb
30p
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm, ct
30p
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm, cb
1998.06
17.11.1998
Birds, Blackbird and Goldcrest
Strip, sa, pho, SNP

30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 11½, s 25x30 mm
30p
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 11½, s 25x30 mm
1998.07
17.11.1998
Birds
ph

30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 14, s 24½x27 mm
32p
227
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
p 14, s 24½x27 mm
35p
227
European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola
p 14, s 24½x27 mm
40p
43
Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
p 14, s 27x24½ mm
45p
226
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
p 14, s 24½x27 mm
50p
78
Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
p 14, s 27x24½ mm
1998.08
14.12.1998
Birds, Blackbird and Goldcrest
Strip, sa, pho, ISS

30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 9x10, s 25x30 mm
30p
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 9x10, s 25x30 mm
1999.01
25.01.1999
Birds, Blackbird and Goldcrest
Booklet, pho
![]()
30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm, ct
30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm, cb
30p
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm, ct
30p
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm, cb
1999.02
16.02.1999
Birds, Woodpigeon and Goldcrest
Booklet, pho
![]()
5p
27
Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus
p 14x15, s 24½x20½ mm, cb
30p
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 15x14, s 20½x24½ mm, cr
1999.03
16.02.1999
Birds
Sheet, p 14x15, s 21x24 mm, pho
![]()
30p
227
European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola
30p
43
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
30p
66
Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
30p
30
Corn Crake Crex crex
30p
168
Eurasian Magpie Pica pica
30p
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
30p
90
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
30p
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
30p
79
Western Barn Owl Tyto alba
30p
227
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
30p
226
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
30p
217
Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
30p
238
White Wagtail Motacilla alba
30p
54
Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica
1999.04
29.04.1999
Europa
2v set

30p
8
Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus
and
8
Common Pochard Aythya ferina
1999.05
29.04.1999
Europa
2v set, sa
1999.04

30p
8
Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus
and
8
Common Pochard Aythya ferina
1999.06
30.06.1999
Birds, Robin
Booklet
![]()
32p
227
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
1999.07
30.06.1999
Birds, Song Thrush
Booklet

45p
226
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
2000.01
01.10.2000
Birds, Blackbird and Goldcrest
Strip, sa, pho, ISS
30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 9, s 25x30 mm
30p
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 9, s 25x30 mm
2000.02
01.12.2000
Birds, Stonechat
pho
35p
227
European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
2001.01
25.04.2001
Birds, Blackbird and Goldcrest
Booklet, pho
![]()
30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 11x13, s 24½x27 mm, ct
30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 11x13, s 24½x27 mm, cb
30p
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 11x13, s 24½x27 mm, ct
30p
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 11x13, s 24½x27 mm, cb
2001.02
01.06.2001
Birds, Plover and Sparrowhawk
pho
40p
43
Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
p 14x15, s 27x24½ mm
50p
78
Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
p 14x15, s 27x24½ mm
2001.03
11.06.2001
Birds, dual currency

30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
32p
227
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
35p
54
Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
40p
217
Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
45p
226
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm
1£
8
Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons
p 15x14, s 27x48½ mm
2001.04
20.08.2001
Birds, dual currency
Strip, sa

30p
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 11, s 25x30 mm
30p
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 11, s 25x30 mm
2001.05
09.10.2001
Birds, Blackbird and Goldcrest
Booklet, sa

N
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 11, s 25x30 mm
N
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 11, s 25x30 mm
2001.06
09.10.2001
Birds, Robin
Booklet, sa

E
227
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
p 11, s 25x30 mm
2001.07
09.10.2001
Birds, Song Thrush
Booklet, sa

W
226
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
p 11, s 25x30 mm
2002.01
01.01.2002
Coins
3v set

41c
49
Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
1978.01
2002.02
01.01.2002
Birds

1c
168
Eurasian Magpie Pica pica
s 24½x27 mm
2c
66
Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
s 24½x27 mm
3c
184
Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus
s 27x24½ mm
4c
30
Corn Crake Crex crex
s 24½x27 mm
5c
27
Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus
s 27x24½ mm
10c
90
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
s 24½x27 mm
20c
43
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
s 24½x27 mm
38c
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
s 24½x27 mm
41c
240
Eurasian Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
s 24½x27 mm
44c
227
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
s 24½x27 mm
50c
70
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
s 27x24½ mm
51c
52
Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii
s 27x24½ mm
57c
49
Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
s 24½x27 mm
1€
8
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
s 27x48½ mm
2€
8
Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons
s 27x48½ mm
5€
8
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
s 48½x27 mm
10€
8
Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
s 48½x27 mm
2002.03
01.01.2002
Birds, Blackbird and Goldcrest
Strip, sa

38c
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 11, s 25x30 mm
38c
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 11, s 25x30 mm
2002.04
01.01.2002
Birds, Kingfisher and Blackbird
Booklet
![]()
10c
90
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
p 15x14, s 20½x24½ mm, cl
38c
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 15x14, s 20½x24½ mm, cl
38c
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
p 15x14, s 20½x24½ mm, cr
2002.05
02.04.2002
Birds, Chaffinch and Goldcrest
Strip, sa, SNP

41c
240
Eurasian Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
p 11, s 25x30 mm
41c
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 11, s 25x30 mm
2002.06
02.04.2002
Birds, Chaffinch and Goldcrest
Booklet, sa, SNP

41c
240
Eurasian Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
p 11, s 25x30 mm
41c
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 11, s 25x30 mm
2002.07
02.04.2002
Birds, Robin
Booklet, sa, SNP

44c
227
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
p 11, s 25x30 mm
2002.08
02.04.2002
Birds, Song Thrush
Booklet, sa, SNP

57c
226
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
p 11, s 25x30 mm
2002.09
17.06.2002
Birds

47c
104
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
p 15x14, s 27x24½ mm
55c
40
Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus
p 15x14, s 27x24½ mm
60c
168
Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius
p 15x14, s 27x24½ mm
2002.10
06.08.2002
Birds, Chaffinch and Goldcrest
Booklet
![]()
41c
240
Eurasian Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm, ct
41c
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 14x15, s 24½x27 mm, cb
2002.11
06.08.2002
Birds, Wren and Chaffinch
Booklet
![]()
36c
217
Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
p 15x14, s 20½x24½ mm, cl
41c
240
Eurasian Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
p 15x14, s 20½x24½ mm, cl
41c
240
Eurasian Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
p 15x14, s 20½x24½ mm, cr
2002.12
17.10.2002
Birds, Chaffinch and Goldcrest
Strip, sa, Ens

41c
240
Eurasian Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
p 11, s 25x30 mm
41c
214
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
p 11, s 25x30 mm
2003.01
06.01.2003
Birds, Plover and Sparrowhawk

75c
43
Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
p 15x14, s 27x24½ mm
95c
78
Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
p 15x14, s 27x24½ mm
2003.02
06.01.2003
Birds, Puffin
Booklet, sa, ISS

50c
54
Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica
p 11, s 25x30 mm
2003.03
25.08.2003
Birds, Stonechat and Falcon

7c
227
European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola
s 24½x27 mm
48c
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
s 24½x27 mm
2003.04
25.08.2003
Birds, Wagtail and Falcon
Strip, sa, ISS

N
238
White Wagtail Motacilla alba
s 25x30 mm
N
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
s 25x30 mm
2003.05
25.08.2003
Birds, Wagtail and Falcon
Booklet, sa, ISS

N
238
White Wagtail Motacilla alba
s 25x30 mm
N
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
s 25x30 mm
2003.06
30.09.2003
Birds, Corncrake and Falcon
Booklet
![]()
4c
30
Corn Crake Crex crex
s 20½x24½ mm, cl
4c
30
Corn Crake Crex crex
s 20½x24½ mm, cr
48c
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
s 20½x24½ mm, cl
48c
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
s 20½x24½ mm, cr
2003.07
30.09.2003
Birds, Wagtail and Falcon
Booklet

48c
238
White Wagtail Motacilla alba
s 24½x27 mm, ct
48c
238
White Wagtail Motacilla alba
s 24½x27 mm, cb
48c
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
s 24½x27 mm, ct
48c
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
s 24½x27 mm, cb
2003.08
30.09.2003
Birds, Wagtail and Falcon
Booklet, sa

48c
238
White Wagtail Motacilla alba
s 25x30 mm
48c
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
s 25x30 mm
2003.09
30.09.2003
Birds, Wagtail and Falcon
Strip, sa, ISS

48c
238
White Wagtail Motacilla alba
s 25x30 mm
48c
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
s 25x30 mm
2004.01
05.01.2004
Birds, Wagtail and Falcon
Strip, sa, Ens

48c
238
White Wagtail Motacilla alba
s 25x30 mm
48c
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
s 25x30 mm
2004.02
05.01.2004
Birds, Puffin and Song Thrush
![]()
60c
54
Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica
65c
226
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
2004.03
05.01.2004
Birds, Puffin
Booklet, sa

60c
54
Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica
2004.04
05.01.2004
Birds, Song Thrush
Booklet, sa

65c
226
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
2004.05
11.05.2004
Ducks

48c
8
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
60c
8
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator
65c
8
Gadwall Mareca strepera
1€
8
Garganey Spatula querquedula
2004.06
11.05.2004
Ducks
Sheet
2004.05

48c
8
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
60c
8
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator
65c
8
Gadwall Mareca strepera
1€
8
Garganey Spatula querquedula
2005.01
28.01.2005
Love and greetings

48c
108
Rosy-faced Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis
2005.02
28.01.2005
Love and greetings
3v sheet
2005.01

60c
108
Rosy-faced Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis
2005.03
28.01.2005
Love and greetings
4v booklet, sa
2005.01

48c
108
Rosy-faced Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis
48c
64
White Stork Ciconia ciconia
2005.04
22.04.2005
Biosphere reserves
2v set

65c
77
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
2005.05
22.04.2005
Biosphere reserves
2v sheet
2005.04

65c
77
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
2010.01
29.07.2010
Birds of prey

55c
78
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
55c
78
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
82c
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
95c
104
Merlin Falco columbarius
2010.02
29.07.2010
Birds of prey
Sheet
2010.01

55c
78
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
55c
78
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
82c
104
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
95c
104
Merlin Falco columbarius
2010.03
04.11.2010
Christmas
Booklet, sa
![]()
55c
227
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
2012.01
03.05.2012
Europa
2v set

55c
52
European Herring Gull Larus argentatus
2012.02
13.09.2012
Myths and legends
4v set

55c
8
Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus
2013.01
02.04.2013
Definitives
Coil, sa

60c
78
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
2013.02
02.04.2013
Definitives
Booklet, sa
![]()
60c
240
European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
2014.01
21.07.2014
Definitives
Coil, sa

68c
52
Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla
2015.01
01.07.2015
Definitives
Coil, sa

70c
102
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major
70c
8
Mute Swan Cygnus olor
2017.01
27.07.2017
Francis Ledwidge

1€
226
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
2019.01
11.04.2019
Europa

N
52
Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii
W
43
European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria
2019.02
11.04.2019
Europa
Sheet
2019.01

N
52
Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii
W
43
European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria
2019.03
17.10.2019
Christmas
5v booklet, sa

1€
227
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
2021.01
15.04.2021
Antarctic explorers (Ice men)
4v set, sa

N
59
Chinstrap Penguin Pygoscelis antarcticus
2022.01
31.03.2022
Booklet of 10 national stamps
2x5v booklet, sa
2019.01

N
52
Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii
2022.02
31.03.2022
Booklet of 10 international stamps
2x5v booklet, sa
2019.01

W
43
European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria
2022.03
13.10.2022
Saorstat Eireann (the Irish Free State)

N
30
Corn Crake Crex crex
2023.01
06.04.2023
Sean O'Casey
3v set, sa

N
13
Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus
2024.01
29.02.2024
Bicentenary of the RNLI
2v set, sa

W
52
European Herring Gull Larus argentatus