I'll give you the names of half a dozen guys who tried the IR first but whose skills and knowledge weren't up to scratch. Cost them a lot of money. I have no axe to grind either way since I finished my CPL/IR 3 years ago now. I would just caution that, for most, the CPL first is a more sensible move before progressing on to the harder and more expensive IR.
Anyway, must go and check the weather in Berlin and Dusseldorf. Toodle pip and good luck!