Ireland Address Format With Examples
Nestled in the North Atlantic, Ireland—often called the “Emerald Isle”—is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and friendly locals. From the bustling streets of Dublin to the serene beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland boasts a mix of modern urban centers and charming rural villages. The Irish are celebrated for their warmth and hospitality, making Ireland a favorite destination for travelers seeking charm, history, and unforgettable scenery.
The Irish postal system plays a vital role in connecting these diverse regions. Whether you’re sending a letter to Dublin’s city center or a package to a remote cottage in County Kerry, understanding the proper Irish address format is crucial. Let’s explore different types of Irish addresses with examples, along with postal, country, and population information
Ireland Address Format Breakdown
Recipient Name
Write the recipient’s full name on the first line while sending a mail or package to Ireland. For business addresses, mention the company name first, then include the recipient’s name or department.
Example
MICHAEL O’CONNOR
OR
IRISH TIMES
MARKETING DEPARTMENT
ATTN: FIONA DUNNE
Street Address or PO Box (P.O. Box)
The second line should include the building number, followed by the street name. In rural areas where street names may not exist, include the house name or a local landmark. If the recipient relies on a Post Office Box, write “P.O. Box” and mention the box number.
Example
10 ST. STEPHEN’S GREEN
Or
P.O. BOX 9876
Town or City
Mention the town or city name where the recipient lives. Dublin (the capital), Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Belfast are some major cities of Ireland. Dublin addresses often include a postal district, such as Dublin 2 (D02).
EXAMPLE
DUBLIN 2
Or
KINSALE, COUNTY CORK
County (if applicable)
Including the county in an Irish address is a common practice, particularly for rural areas or smaller towns where street names or postal districts may not be as distinct.
Example
COUNTY GALWAY
Or
COUNTY CORK
Eircode
Ireland uses a unique 7-character alphanumeric postal code system called the Eircode, which identifies individual addresses. While not mandatory for local mail, including the Eircode ensures faster and more accurate deliveries. These codes comprise two parts: the first three characters work as a routing key and the last four characters as unique identifiers to pinpoint the specific address or property.
Example
D02 XY45
Or
P17 AC93
Country Name
Write the country name in the last line. If you are sending international mail, always write the country name in capital letters.
Example
IRELAND
Special Considerations to Write an Irish Address
- Address Placement: Write the address on the bottom left corner of the envelope.
- Address Line Alignment: The address lines should be left aligned.
- Eircode Usage: While optional for domestic mail, using the Eircode is highly recommended for both domestic and international correspondence.
- Language: Language: English is predominantly used for Irish addresses, but Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge) is common in Gaeltacht regions.
- Rural Addressing: Street names are less common in rural areas. It is recommended to use village names near larger towns to ensure successful deliveries.
- Capitalization: For clarity and legibility write the whole address in the capital letter.
Examples of Different Types of Irish Address Format
Residential Address Format
Write the recipient’s name, street address or PO box number, town/city name, county (if applicable), Eircode, and country for Irish residential addresses.
Example
MICHAEL O’CONNOR
10 ST. STEPHEN’S GREEN
DUBLIN 2
D02 XY45
IRELAND
Rural Address Format
In rural areas without formal street names, mention the townland or village name, followed by the nearest town, the county, the Eircode, and the country.
Example
KATHLEEN MURPHY
CLONARD HOUSE
NEAR THE BRIDGE
KINSALE, COUNTY CORK
P17 AC93
IRELAND
Business Address Format
Business addresses in Ireland typically follow a structured format to ensure efficient delivery. Start with the company name prominently on the first line, followed by the recipient’s name or their department to specify internal routing. The rest will be according to the standard Irish address format. To ensure that the internal distribution system sends mail to the correct office and desk, write ATTN in front of the name.
Example
IRISH TIMES
MARKETING DEPARTMENT
ATTN: FIONA DUNNE
56 UPPER BAGGOT STREET
DUBLIN 4
D04 E7N5
IRELAND
International Address Format for NGOs and Organizations
For international organizations or NGOs operating in Ireland, the address should begin with the name of the organization, followed by the relevant department or program. This ensures the correspondence is routed to the appropriate division.
Example
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
ATTN: PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM
33 GRAND CANAL STREET LOWER
DUBLIN 2
D02 H210
IRELAND
PO Box Address Format
When addressing letters to a Post Office Box (P.O. Box) in Ireland, the street address is not needed. Instead, replace it with the term “P.O. Box” followed by the designated box number.
Example
JAMES REILLY
P.O. BOX 12345
DUBLIN 1
D01 AB12
IRELAND
Military Address Format
Ireland does not maintain a dedicated military postal system similar to those in countries like the United States or the UK. When addressing military personnel, the format typically incorporates details about their unit, barracks, or base to ensure accurate delivery.
Example
SERGEANT SEÁN MURPHY
1ST MECHANIZED INFANTRY COMPANY
CATHAL BRUGHA BARRACKS
DUBLIN 6
Government Office Address Format
When sending mail to government offices in Ireland, always begin the address with the name of the specific office or department. This should precede the street address or PO Box to ensure your correspondence is directed to the appropriate location.
Example
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
UPPER MERRION STREET
DUBLIN 2
D02 R583
IRELAND
Address for Multiple Recipients Format
When sending a letter to multiple recipients at the same address, write each recipient’s name on a separate line. This approach ensures clarity and avoids confusion, making it easier for the mail to reach the intended individuals.
| Example (for Family) | Example (for Business) |
| MR. JOHN O’BRIEN
MS. LUCY O’BRIEN 10 ST. STEPHEN’S GREEN DUBLIN 2 D02 XY45 IRELAND |
ATTN: MR. PAUL RYAN
ATTN: MS. EMILY WALSH MARKETING DEPARTMENT GLOBAL ENTERPRISES 56 UPPER BAGGOT STREET DUBLIN 4 D04 E7N5 IRELAND |
Address Format for Courier Services
When using courier services like DHL or FedEx, it’s important to include additional contact details, such as the recipient’s phone number. This allows couriers to communicate directly with the recipient for specific delivery instructions, especially in rural or hard-to-reach locations where precise navigation may be required.
Example
SARAH CLANCY
8 O’CONNELL STREET LOWER
DUBLIN 1
D01 KX56
IRELAND
PHONE NO. +353 87 123 4567
Postal Information
The Irish postal system is managed by “An Post”, the state-owned provider of postal services in Ireland. Established in 1984 as part of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, An Post has evolved into a modern, reliable service catering to both domestic and international mail. The organization operates a network of over 1,000 post offices across the country, ensuring connectivity between urban centers and rural communities.
In 2015, Ireland introduced “Eircodes”, a unique seven-character postal code system, to enhance address accuracy and streamline mail delivery. “An Post” also offers a wide range of services beyond traditional mail, including financial services, retail products, and courier solutions, reflecting its role as a cornerstone of Irish society.
| No. of Administrative Areas | 4 Provinces. 26 Counties |
| Administrative Area Names and Abbreviations | Connacht – CN
Leinster – LS Munster – MU Ulster – UL Carlow – CW Cavan – CN Clare – CE Cork – CO Donegal – DL Dublin – D Galway – G Kerry – KY Kildare – KE Kilkenny – KK Laois – LS Leitrim – LM Limerick – LK Longford – LD Louth – LH Mayo – MO Meath – MH Monaghan – MN Offaly – OY Roscommon – RN Sligo – SO Tipperary – T Waterford – WD Westmeath – WH Wexford – WX Wicklow – WW |
| Postal Language | English |
| Postal Service Provider | An Post
https://www.anpost.com/ |
Country Information
| Country/Territory Name | Ireland |
| Capital | Dublin |
| Major Cities | Dublin Belfast Galway Cork Limerick |
| Endonym | Éire |
| ISO Codes | ISO 3166-1 numeric code- 372
ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code- IE ISO 3166-1 alpha 3 country code- IRL |
Population Information
PostGrid’s Address Verification Solution
So you have learned how to structure the address format to a recipient in Ireland. But to ensure your address is reaching the intended recipient, you need a verified address. PostGrid address verification solution verifies, standardizes, and offers address autocomplete suggestions in real-time. Whether you want to verify a single address or bulk address, we provide correct, complete, and up-to-date addresses in sync with the official postal service provider for over 245 countries and territories.
Check the Format of More Countries
If you are curious about the format of any other country, visit our international address format page and learn the address format followed in countries around the world.
