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Irish Playing Cards

Published April 28, 1998 Updated April 26, 2022

Playing card designs based on motifs from early Irish manuscripts and metalwork.

IrelandArt & DesignCelticCatherine TreacyPhilip MurphyCartamundiDechtire Design

“Irish Playing Cards”

Playing card designs based on motifs from early Irish manuscripts and metalwork. See the extra card

Playing card designs based on motifs from early Irish manuscripts and metalwork. Created and designed by Philip Murphy and Catherine Treacy Playing card designs based on motifs from early Irish manuscripts and metalwork. Created and designed by Philip Murphy and Catherine Treacy

Above: playing card designs based on motifs from early Irish manuscripts and metalwork. Created and designed by Philip Murphy and Catherine Treacy. Produced for Dechtire Design, made in Belgium.

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By Simon Wintle

Spain • Member since February 01, 1996

I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.

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