Good luck in Ireland. You may have noticed we're in a bit of a recession here (note heavy sarcasm)... I'd wager that you'd have a difficult time finding a job in Ireland. Course both Google and Amazon have offices here so don't let me discourage you. Just be warned.
Jobs aside, I've loved the last two years I've spent here in Ireland. The people are lovely, as is the country itself. Still on the expensive side, but we're having price corrections along with the recession. :-)
Just a tiny error: Schengen AFAIK has nothing to do with entitlement to work.
[Edit: removed stuff about the Schengen area]