Since the 19th century, Irish postcards have carried representations of Irish national identity and social life, and this process increased with the rise of national feeling in the early 20th century. Symbols of identity have frequently been musical. The national instrument of the harp, in various forms, has been particularly prominent. Also to the fore has been the uilleann pipes, the Irish form of the elbow-blown bagpipes, and traditional dance.

The Irish Traditional Music Archive accordingly collects Irish musical postcards, of all periods (which are normally undated), as representing an aspect of Irish traditional music. It presents here a selection of these cards.

With thanks to postcard donors the Breathnach Family and Matt Murtagh. The ITMA always welcomes such donations or the opportunity to copy such materials.