Hi. I set up a limited company for IT contracting recently. Firstly I went to Eden Company Formations. They set up the company for me, got me the Cert Of Incorp etc etc. Cost €275. From that I contacted my accountant (we have an accountant already as my wife is self employed). He registered me for VAT and all the other bits. Then I registered myself with ROS online (revenue self assessment). Finally I opened a business account with AIB as they offer 2 years free banking for business start ups.
Now I invoice the company for work that I do and they put the money into the business account directly. My key obligations are to pay the VAT bi-monthly, do a P30 return quarterly for drawings from the company. The accountant will pick up the rest. At year end, I'll have to pay Corporation Tax on the profit in the business. I am only operating 2 months, but it is ok so far. Any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I may or may not know the answer!
p.s. it could cost you almost €2000 a year if you wish to hire an accountant to look after the trickier returns for you