Ireland has honoured the rich history, culture, and contribution of Irish Travellers to national life through the release of new commemorative stamps celebrating Traveller heritage.

The stamps feature the words “Mincéur” and “Pavee” — terms Irish Travellers use to describe themselves — in recognition of the Traveller language known as Cant or Gammon. The collection acknowledges Irish Travellers as an integral part of Ireland’s social and cultural history for centuries.

This marks the first time Traveller culture has been represented on Irish stamps. In developing the designs, the creators worked closely with members of the Traveller community and selected two important cultural symbols: the traditional Barrel Top Wagon and a handcrafted tin ponger (mug), representing the long-standing traditions of nomadism and tinsmithing within Traveller culture.

An authentic Barrel Top Wagon from Meath Travellers Workshop was used for the first stamp design. The second stamp features a handcrafted ponger created by a Traveller Tinsmith preserving the traditional craft of tinsmithing.

The stamps were officially launched by Pavee Point Co-Director Martin Collins and are now available nationwide.

The launch event, held at the GPO in Dublin, was attended by Traveller organisations from across the country. Meath Travellers Workshop was represented by Marina Cunningham, Manager, and Laura McDonagh, Coordinator.

Marina Cunningham also acknowledged Solstice Arts Centre and Belinda Quirke for generously facilitating the use of the centre’s grounds for the photography session associated with the stamp collection.