I am trying to get an Irish licence, and I would be interested too to hear from anyone with any advise.
Don't bother. Come the spring the South will be paying off a hideously large loan from the EU and the IAA will probably sting you Euro 500+ for the privilege of obtaining a JAA licence whilst Weston/Cork/Waterford/Trim will be charging Euro 250/hr to train. Alternatively, you will be able to drive to the North train and get a UK issued JAA licence for half the price.