Jack,
What is the story with Government Funding in the South compared to the North for College? I know Dublin is bloody expensive when it comes to Studying. That said the North and UK isn't any cheaper.
If you were gonna go for the Degree, an Engineering or Science based Degree would benefit you more down the line. I have friends with Sports, Marketing and Law Degrees who are twiddling their thumbs at the minute (So much they will fall off soon). Another friend of mine has a Degree in Electrical Engineering. He got a job straight away upon graduating this year. I myself am back at the books studying Electrical Engineering while trying to get in some hours here and there when I can with the PPL.
As already mentioned it is down to you and what you really want out of life. If you can get yourself a half decent Job after your Exams then I would get straight into work and get the Flight Training done.