An Post has unveiled eye-catching new stamps based on Donegal’s Poisoned Glen.
The colourful stamps were inspired by the legend of ‘Balor of the Evil Eye’.
The stamps were created as part of the EUROPA stamp competition by Irish artist Aideen Barry with graphic design by Oonagh Young. The theme of the competition was ‘stories and myths’ and the Irish stamp aptly tells a supernatural story for Halloween 2022.
Ireland
IRELAND – EUROPA 2022
Date of issue: 01 Sep 2022
Ireland
IRELAND – EUROPA 2022
Date of issue: 01 Sep 2022
Balor was a legendary figure in the Formorian supernatural race in Irish mythology.
According to the Irish folklore tales, Balor caused great pain and anguish to the Tuatha Dé Dannan, the other supernatural race in Irish folklore.
The legend centres on Balor having an eye that, when unleashed, could cause instant death or poisoning. Balor’s Poisoned Eye is the main focus of one stamp. The second stamp relates to the legend that claimed Balor had only to look on the landscape to cause damage, such as in the Poisoned Glen in County Donegal.
In both cases, contemporary colours are used to create the impression of poison almost leaping off the stamp.
The stamps are available to buy now in Post Offices and online at: https://www.anpost.com/Shop/Special-issue-stamps/Europa-Stories-and-Myths
