An Post stamps all over Clontarf anniversary

An Post is putting its stamp on the celebrations to mark the 1,000th anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf through the issuing of two stamps which are set to be coveted by collectors.

The two stamps celebrate Ireland’s Viking heritage and are the work of graphic designer Ger Garland.

They feature items of Viking art and an image of Brian Boru at the battle where he met his maker.

The first stamp features the Waterford Kite Brooch which dates from around 1090.

It is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s finest pieces of late 11thcentury secular metalwork and is set against a background map of Waterford City .

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 now selling at main post offices, at the Irish Stamps Shop in Dublin's GPO or via www.irishstamps.ie.