Four new stamps feature on Northern Ireland miniature sheet

St Patrick is in the spotlight on a new Miniature Sheet issued by Royal Mail celebrating the history and traditions of Northern Ireland.

The Celebrating Northern Ireland Miniature Sheet, issued today (11 March), will be the latest destination in Royal Mail’s Four Countries of the UK series.

Celebrating Northern Ireland is the third in the series, which are issued on or before the Saint’s Day of each country. The grand tour of the UK began in Scotland on St Andrew’s Day 2006 and continued with England in 2007.

Celebrating Northern Ireland features two standard 1st Class stamps and two 78p long-format stamps. Carrickfergus Castle, the first of the two 1st Class stamps, is positioned on the top left of the sheet, next to artist Clare Melinsky’s stunning illustration of St Patrick on a 78p long-format stamp.

Just below them, to the left sits Belfast’s Queen’s Bridge and the Thanksgiving Beacon 78p stamp while the sheet is completed by the other 1st Class stamp – the Giant’s Causeway stamp.

Fittingly, St Patrick is also the focus of the Presentation Pack which takes an in-depth look at his legend and history. The pack is written by Esther Kennedy.

Interestingly, unlike its two predecessors in the series, The Celebrating Northern Ireland Miniature Sheet is printed in litho rather than in gravure.

Julietta Edgar, Head of Special Stamps, Royal Mail said: “St. Patrick’s day is enjoyed by so many people around the world that we are delighted to announce these special stamps, which people can use when sending cards to friends and family in celebration of this famous annual event.”