Historic Post Boxes

Every year the event highlights a selection of historic post-boxes, recently made protected structures. They were introduced to Ireland in 1852. They are examples of everyday design and their evolving details not only demonstrate the range of changes in the decoration of cast-iron post-boxes from Victorian times to the latter part of the twentieth century, they also chart the political changes in the governance of the country. They make a distinctive contribution to the character of our streetscapes.

Kent Station (1857)
This is the oldest example in the country still in use. It is of the ‘Economy’ type (without any decorative mouldings), was manufactured by Cochrane & Co. of Dudley and has its letter slot on top. Previously it had original enamel plates with the times of collection. As a type it was soon replaced by boxes with a larger capacity.

Anglesea Street (1859-1901)
This is a simple wall-mounted box from the Victorian era as testified by the VR insignia for Victoria Regina (Queen Victoria).

Cornmarket Street (1859-1901)
Pillar box from the Victorian era with the VR insignia on the door. The top has become circular and gained decorative elements, increasing its similarity to a classical column.

South Mall (1902-1910)
Pillar box from the Edwardian era with the ER insignia on the door for Edward Rex VII. Otherwise the form remains the same.

Patrick’s Hill (1910-1920)
Pillar box with the GR insignia for George Rex (King George V).

North Mall (1910-1920)
Wall-mounted version of the one above.

McCurtain Street (c.1970-80)
Pair of pillar boxes, the last in the series of circular boxes. One of them has the An Post logo with its speed stripes. More recent boxes are different in form, consisting of a box mounted on a pole.