If you get a FAA PPL you can fly EI reg or N reg in Ireland with no problems. You have to have a FAA Class 2 Medical in Ireland for the IAA to recognise the FAA Licence. SO as long as you kepp your FAA Class 2 Medical current you can fly away for a hobby. Most training companies in Ireland rent out 22s after doing a short test flight with an instructor to make sure you fly ok. Cost varies between 300 and 350 an hour. Good luck with it and enjoy flying around Ireland.