DP - what was your best P score?
Bear in mind that that at the moment AIB are only certain to offer a P place at BRNC to someone with 130 or better. The pass is 112, but
AFAIK no-one has got in on less than 118 for some time, and 120-125 is often not adequate unless they have really wowed the Board.
My thoughts are that you should go to university, and have another stab in three years time. You have plenty of time to apply through UCAS for a place in Sep 2010. Aim to get into a uni that has a UAS/URNU/OTC .
In the mean time, work hard, go travelling next Spring/Summer, and round out a bit.