The price seems about normal for schools in the Republic.
Northern Ireland maybe an option if you live close to the border, but being based in Dublin I think you'd find it very difficult.
A 90 minute drive there, an hours lesson, and a 90 minute drive back home. Sometimes you'll drive there to find the aircraft has a technical problem. Sometimes you'll get there and decide the weather just isn't good enough.
I'm lucky in that I live fairly close to my airport, and I know that some people have no choice but to travel long distances. But if I had the choice, there is no way I'd be making a long journey for flying lessons.
dp