playing cards

Not a lot is known about the early history of playing cards in Ireland, but during the nineteenth century playing cards were being produced in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.

Right: "Heroic" Irish playing cards published in Belfast, c.1920

It will not be surprising to recognise traces of Celtic decorative patterns in Irish playing card designs.

During the twentieth century The Ormond Printing Co. Ltd (Dublin) produced cards for the Irish market, and subsequently there have been tourist packs and also art and design packs manufactured in Ireland and abroad.

Below left: Souvenir playing cards published by C. T. Co. Ltd, Dublin

Below right: Irish playing cards, Dechtire Design

 Heroic playing-cards Heroic playing-cards
Irish Tourist Association Souvenir playing cards Irish playing cards

Catherine Kelly

Irish Hospice pack