The story of Ireland’s postal service begins well before An Post’s official establishment. The first postal service in Ireland was set up in 1638 under English Crown authority, with a regular Dublin to Belfast post route. By 1703, the Irish Post Office was formally established as a separate entity from the British Post Office, though still under British control.
After Irish independence in 1922, the new Irish Free State took control of postal services, creating the Department of Posts and Telegraphs (P&T). This department handled both postal services and telecommunications for the new nation, operating as a government department rather than a corporation.
An Post as we know it today was established on January 1, 1984, when the postal service was separated from telecommunications (which became Telecom Éireann, now Eir) as part of a modernization initiative. The new company took over the postal operations of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs, becoming a semi-state company with the Irish government as sole shareholder.
The 1980s and 1990s saw An Post modernizing its operations significantly. The company introduced automated sorting systems, modernized post offices, and expanded its services beyond traditional mail delivery. In 1992, An Post established the National Lottery as a subsidiary (though this was later separated in 2014).
An important part of An Post’s history has been its role in rural Ireland. The local post office has traditionally served as a community hub, particularly in rural areas, providing not just postal services but also social welfare payments, banking services, and a meeting point for local residents. This social role has been especially significant in remote areas where post offices might be the only government service point for miles around.
The company has faced significant challenges in recent decades with the decline of traditional mail due to email and digital communications. In response, An Post has diversified its services, expanding into parcel delivery, financial services, and digital solutions. The rise of e-commerce has helped offset the decline in traditional letter volumes, with parcel delivery becoming an increasingly important part of the business.
In recent years, An Post has made significant strides in modernization and sustainability. In 2019, it became the first postal service in the world to achieve zero carbon emission deliveries in a capital city, with its Dublin fleet converting entirely to electric vehicles. The company has also expanded its digital services, introducing features like digital stamps and parcel lockers.
Today, An Post operates approximately 900 post offices across Ireland, employs over 9,000 people, and processes over 2.5 million mail items every working day. It continues to adapt to changing times while maintaining its crucial role in Irish society, balancing commercial viability with its public service mandate.
One of the most notable aspects of An Post’s history is how it has maintained the delicate balance between modernization and tradition. While embracing new technologies and business models, it has preserved its role as a vital community service, particularly in rural Ireland where post offices often serve as important social hubs.
The organization has also played a significant role in Irish cultural life, with its stamp-issuing program celebrating Irish history, culture, and achievements. Many of An Post’s commemorative stamps have become important collectors’ items and historical artifacts in their own right.
