With so many of us dreaming of exotic, far-flung locations and embracing a healthy dose of #wanderlust, it’s easy to forget the amazing gems on our own home-soil.
It’s something we were reminded of recently when we stumbled upon a collection of retro-style posters depicting some of our most celebrated cities and towns.
We spotted illustrations for the proud likes of Derry, Waterford, Mayo, and Bray – all created by talented artist Roger O’Reilly.
Having also recently completed a collection of Irish lighthouses, Roger said he was eager to get stuck in to his Town And Counties collection.
“The response to the work has been really fantastic,” he says. “We have been sending out posters to new customers from North America, Australia, and the Middle East. It’s a real sign that Irish people abroad – or those with connections to Ireland – still have a grá for the auld sod.”
Co Louth-native Roger runs the popular IrelandPosters.ie – which is now in its third year and includes a catalogue of more than 150 individual illustrations, “each one depicting a beautifully nuanced interpretation of Irish culture,” explains Roger.
Now based in Kilkenny, he furthermore works as an illustrator and storyboard artist for advertisements, periodicals, and productions including the TV series Vikings.
“The idea for the online store started with just two posters, Kilkenny and Drogheda; my adopted city and my hometown. I designed and printed them partly as thank-you gifts to some friends and partly because I figured there was a demand out there for some nicely updated prints in the style of old railway posters.
He concludes: “I think the reason the posters are so successful is that they serve as a reminder of who you are, what you identify with and of course, where you come from.
“I’m continually adding to the series and my intention is to eventually have a collection that covers all 32 counties and the towns and cities across the country.”
The retro travel prints are available to purchase from IrelandPosters.ie for €30 each.
