Royal Mail Salutes NI Castles

Northern Ireland has some of the finest ancient castles in the country and Royal Mail is celebrating this rich heritage with the launch a new series of generic stamp sheets featuring the castles of Northern Ireland, printed on a label alongside a first class stamp.

Northern Ireland has the honour of leading the way with the issue of the first sheet in the set on 17 March showing ten castles, featuring twice on each sheet, from all six counties alongside 20 first class Northern Ireland Country stamps.

The ten Northern Ireland castles are Monea and Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh; Belfast, Carrickfergus and Dunluce all in Co Antrim; Dungiven in County Londonderry; Killyleagh and Narrow Water in Co Down; Killymoon in Tyrone and Gosford (Co Armagh).

The generic stamp sheet is part of the 'Smilers' series that allow customers to add a personal touch to their mail by combining the stamps with a photograph of your choice - the perfect complement to any occasion.

Barbara Roulston, Head of External Relations, Royal Mail Group said: "Smilers stamps have been brightening up our mail since 2000 and have become an extremely popular product with customers.

"To meet increasing demand for new designs we have introduced this striking series featuring images of some of our finest castles.

"As these stamp images are sent around the world they will give people a small glimpse of our rich heritage and also remind friends and family in far off places of their homeland," she explained.

Future issues in the Castles set will feature fortifications of England, Scotland and Wales.

(BMcC/JM)