Waterford’s historic coat of arms has been featured on a new stamp issued by An Post, celebrating the city’s rich maritime heritage.

The stamp is one of six new designs showcasing the coats of arms of Irish cities, including Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny and Limerick.

Waterford’s design features three golden ships at sea, a familiar symbol to generations of Suir-siders and a reflection of the city’s long-standing connection to maritime trade.

The collection celebrates the unique history and identity of each city, with designs inspired by symbols dating back hundreds of years.

The origins of Ireland’s city coats of arms can be traced to medieval times, when they were used to represent a city’s status, authority and independence.

Today, the historic symbols remain a prominent feature of civic life, appearing on buildings, flags, official vehicles and public spaces.

Waterford City Coat of Arms stamp Pippa Halley Waterford Walls Project Lord Mayor Liam Brazil and chef Paul Flynn informal pose stamp blowups at Dan Kitchener mural Tower Hotel
Today, Thursday 15th October 2026 marks the launch of An Post’s new Cities Coat of Arms stamp collection. Pictured are the first recipients of the special Waterford City Coat of Arms stamp: Mayor of Waterford City and County, Liam Brazil; Co-founder of Waterford Walls Project, Pippa Halley; and Chef Paul Flynn at The Viking Triangle by the River Suir. The historic quarter is the heartbeat of Ireland’s oldest city.

Artist hopes stamp will inspire civic pride

Donegal-based heraldic artist Philip Mackey, who designed the stamps, said he hopes the Waterford edition will encourage people to learn more about the city’s history.

“I hope the people of Waterford City are pleased and excited to see their home featured on the stamps. It is, after all, among the great cities of Europe!”

He added that the collection could help newer residents develop a greater understanding of their adopted cities and encourage a stronger sense of belonging.

Stamps to travel around the world

An Post’s Irish Stamps Manager, Aileen Mooney, said the collection is expected to attract interest from residents, businesses and stamp collectors.

“We anticipate great interest in these striking new stamps from individuals, businesses, collectors, clubs and other bodies in the featured cities.”

She added that the stamps would act as ambassadors for their respective cities as they travel across Ireland and around the world.

Each stamp costs €1.85 and covers standard letter postage within the island of Ireland.

The stamps are available in sheetlets of four through An Post’s website, post offices in the six featured cities and selected post offices nationwide.

They can also be combined to cover international and parcel postage.

The collection is available online at www.anpost.ie/shop.