Please help - questions about universities in the Republic of Ireland

[xx-vicci-xx]

Hi :)

I want to go to university in the ROI, preferbly in Dublin or Cork...
I'm from the UK, and our university system is different to yours, could somebody please explain to me:

The points system - how they translate into A Levels (it seems I would need four full A Levels to make up the points for most subjects, and we only do three usually, so how would one get around this?)

How I would apply - In the UK we have the UCAS system, would I need to apply directly to the university..?

Any recommendations for universities to go to?

Would I face any problems with people, being from the south of England with a strong accent?

Fees - As I am a European citisen, would I be subject to the same fee's as an Irish citisen or an English one? Would I get my loan and student grant from the UK still, or do I have to somehow pay for myself?

The third language - I have noticed that some universities require a third language as part of their entry requirements. Would I need an A Level/GCSE in a third language, or would I just need to show an aptitude in it, and would I need to be fluent?

Do universities in the ROI just go by grades / points or would I need to pass some entry tests (eg. English or maths)

Sorry for all the questions, I have been looking into it but these things are still confusing me, any help would be really really appreciated, especially if you are from the ROI or went to university there!
Also any additional information if you think there's other things I should know :)

[buildersmate]

Have you been through all the info on this website?
http://www.nui.ie/col...ntry-requirements.asp
Unless you wish to study Gaelic or Irish History I really don't understand why one would want to do this. It's bound to leave you with a bigger debt at the end of it, for starters.

[xx-vicci-xx]

Thanks that's quite helpful. And the reason is because I want to see other places apart from where I am from and university is a good way of doing that. Money isn't everything ;)

[xx-vicci-xx]

P.S. Also since I'm a European citisen it can actually work out cheaper than going to university here, so I could be left with a smaller debt.

[buildersmate]

So long as you are making an informed choice. Students don't go to Cambridge to learn to punt, it's merely an option.

[Buenchico]

Relevant links:
http://www.direct.gov...tionAndJobs/DG_071576
and
http://www.direct.gov...tionAndJobs/DG_071578

Chris