My experience was it took 2 years, including all exams. Yes you get good experience learning in Ireland, but the most important thing is to get that basic qualification.
When I got mine I was told by a wise examiner at the time “this is a qualification to learn more”. After you qualify, you can join a club, here you start taking giant strides in experience. In my first year in my club a group of us went to Spain, I couldn’t believe how much I was doing.
Whichever way you go keep focused on your goal, and enjoy the journey.