‘Ireland’s Shifting Foundations: From Transition to Civil War (1920-1925)’

Arra Historical & Archaeological Society will host a talk by Marcus Orsi entitled ‘Ireland’s Shifting Foundations: From Transition to Civil War (1920-1925)’ on Thursday, November 27, in Reidy’s Bar in Newtown at 8pm.

This talk documents the postal history of Ireland during the War of Independence and the critical transition from British rule to the Irish Free State, as well as through the Civil War. It illustrates this turbulent period with letters, postcards, postmarks, postal stationery, and associated documents.

The scope begins with the War of Independence in the pre-transition period and continues through the brief Transition period, from February 17, 1922, to March 31, 1922, when reciprocal arrangements allowed Irish mail to be posted with British stamps and, conversely, United Kingdom mail with Irish stamps. The presentation further demonstrates the extended use of British Postal Stationery and British Postage Due labels, which remained valid in Ireland until 1925, nearly three years beyond the official transition.

Members and non-members welcome. Admission free for members and €5 for non-members