Re: can you take your credit history to ireland
If the Bank wants to see your uk file, then it can, but as a rule of thumb, they generally don`t once they see you are not trying to defraud them.
My sister was in the same position - some financial trouble in the uk and moved back to ireland after clearing it up but was worried about the effect it might have on her over here. About a year after moving back she applied for a mortgage and got it no problem, same with a credit card. She still has a black mark against her in the UK, but there are no adverse effects on her in Ireland.
Maybe wait 6 months to a year and build up evidence of financial prudence through your irish bank accounts, etc. This might negate the need for your bank to look overseas. If you have irish accounts already, make sure the are always in the black.
That said, clear your uk debts as soon as you possibly can.