An Eircode has a three-character Routing Key and a four-character Unique Identifier, commonly displayed with a space between them. Correct length does not prove that a code is assigned to an address.
The example below illustrates field layout using a fictional street. It is not a verified mailing address.
Address layout example
DUBLIN
D02 X285
IRELAND
| Field label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Address line | Address line |
| City / Town | City / town |
| County | County |
| Eircode | Postal code |
Why do seven characters occupy eight positions?
The three-character Routing Key and four-character Unique Identifier are commonly separated by one display space. A displayed length therefore differs from the character count after removing that separator. Trim surrounding whitespace and apply a consistent case-handling policy across the client and server.
Does a format check prove that the address exists?
No. Length, character and separator checks only examine syntax. Use the official Eircode Finder for a real location. Combining a generated street with an existing Eircode does not establish a valid match. Keep format acceptance and successful address lookup as separate outcomes in a test suite.
Can I copy Region into County?
The current generator uses Leinster as a region, which is a province rather than a County. Do not copy it automatically into a County field. If the receiving form requires County, add a separately verified fixture. Explicitly missing information is easier to diagnose than a populated field containing the wrong administrative level.
Regression checklist
- Preserve the display space in D02 X285
- Test surrounding whitespace, letter case and missing characters separately
- Do not populate County with Leinster; look up real locations using the official finder
What the generator currently covers
The current region is Leinster, a province, not a County. Configured Eircodes are format fixtures; do not infer that they belong to a randomly generated city or street.
Try the Ireland address generator