An Post issues Stamp Commemorating 400 years of King's Inns

25 July 2007

The stamp was designed by Ger Garland and features a pen and ink drawing of the Gandon façade of the King’s Inns building by Michael Craig and an image of the Seal of the Society of King’s Inns. 

Established in 1541, the Honorable Society of King’s Inns is the oldest institution of legal education in Ireland.  It occupied the area that now houses the Four Courts in Dublin.   In its early years, it experienced some developmental problems with buildings falling into decay.

Following a period of inactivity towards the end of the sixteenth century, King’s Inns was reconstituted in 1607.  Its revival coincided with the keeping of formal records in what is known as the “Black Book”, a volume recording information of historical significance for 17th century Dublin and Ireland. 

King’s Inns moved from Inns Quay in 1800, having commissioned James Gandon to design the present buildings on Constitution Hill, Dublin.   Henceforward, these would be the headquarters of the Benchers and the School of Law.   The primary focus of the school is the training of barristers.

The new stamp, together with a First day Cover, is available on line at www.irishstamps.ie; at main post offices and by phone at

(01) 705 7400