The post box
The green post box, in various shapes and sizes, is a familiar sight on city streets and country roads throughout Ireland. Introduced well over 150 years ago by the novelist, Anthony Trollope, who worked for the Post Office in Ireland for several years, the letter box is an instantly recognized symbol of the Post Office.
The intention was to make it easier for people to post their letters and make it unnecessary for them to have to wait for a post office to open. The first boxes appeared on the streets of cities like Dublin, Belfast and Cork over 150 years ago and were subsequently introduced elsewhere. The big pillar boxes were soon joined by smaller boxes that fitted into walls and later by lamp boxes which were cheaper to make and could be attached to lamp and telegraph poles.
A great many old post boxes remain in use today and they bring an elegance to their localities that is often much appreciated. Post boxes, of course, are first and foremost functional and they form a vital part of Post Office infrastructure. Today’s boxes – less ornate than some of their predecessors perhaps – are designed with a firm eye on the efficient and functional operation of the postal business and their presence represents a continuing tradition of faithful service to Irish people.