Wolfhound features on new ‘unmistakably Irish’ passport

Cillian Sherlock, PA

The Irish wolfhound features prominently on Ireland’s new passport, following a public consultation involving 15,000 people.

The newly designed passport, launched on Friday by Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee, is being described by the Government as “one of the world’s most advanced travel documents”.

Artwork in the new passport is inspired by Ireland’s heritage, history and culture – with designs chosen by the public as part of a nationwide consultation.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said 15,000 people took part in the consultation – which identified the Irish wolfhound as a favourite.

It said the passport maintains the highest international standards of document security – and uses environmentally friendly security inks and new production methods.

McEntee said the document gives Irish citizens visa-free access to 186 countries.

On the refresh, she said: “It combines some of the world’s most advanced security technology with a design that proudly reflects who we are as a nation, our heritage, creativity and natural beauty.”

She added: “Together with Irish companies and artists, we have created a travel document that is both technically outstanding and unmistakably Irish.”

The new passport is available from Friday.