Eoin,
I see from another thread that you might be looking to go rotary wing and it would be interesting to hear any differences between nav techniques.
To your main point, as you do more flying, the nav will get easier because you will begin to be more comfortable with the flying and communicating. There are those out there who love the gadgets and would not go with a gps and some form of radio nav kit. I have nothing against that. But I find that there is immense satisfaction to be gained from navigating the old fashioned way successfully.
It is your choice how you choose to navigate, but good airmanship (in my book at least) dictates that you should be able to use a chart and compass to get you home if all else fails.
I hope that your struggle with nav doesn't put you off flying. Believe those that have said we have all been there.