The Dublin-Belfast line was completed when the spectacular viaduct over the River Boyne at Drogheda was opened. Prior to this, the first section between Belfast and Lisburn had been opened in 1839 and the second section between Dublin and Drogheda in 1844.
However, before the two sections could join together, a common gauge of 5ft 3ins had to be agreed on. This meant that the Dublin and Belfast Junction Railway could now progress and was duly opened in stages between 1849 and 1855, providing a quick and comfortable way (by the standards of the day) to get between Ireland's two largest cities.
The speed and reliability of this rail-link is such that it has stifled many efforts at establishing a regular air service between these cities. The new trains are capable of 145 kmph and complete the journey in just over 2 hours. Passengers enjoy air conditioning, full carpeting, tinted windows and fully adjustable seating. The trains transport business people, tourists and other rail travelers from city centre to city centre in comfort and speed - a vision which first saw the light of day 150 years ago and which is now captured in our Dublin-Belfast Railway Line special issue stamps.
| Technical Details | ||
| Date of Issue | 5 April, 2005 |
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| Values & Quantities | 48c se-tenant (.41m) 60c (.28m) 65c (.28m) |
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| Stamp Design | Vincent Killowry (Illustration) Paul Raftery (Layout/typography) |
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| Stamp Size | 40.64mm x 29.8mm |
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| Color | Multicolor with phosphor tagging | |
| Make-up | Sheetlets of 16 |
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| Perforations | 14 x 15 | |
| Printing Process | Lithography | |
| Printer | Irish Security Stamp Printing Ltd |
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