Hi
For the record, I think you'll find both Sky & NTL offer all Irish terrestrial channels (RTE x2, TG4, TV3) - Sky have Channel 6 also as part of their basic package ... but you have to pay extra for Settanta.
Sky Digital's service is far better - sound quality, picture quality, functions, channel selection etc. You do need a satellite dish installed, which may influence some peoples decision.
NTL are struggling commercially from what I can see, so need to retain / sign up more customers & as such, will probably do some sort of deal financially to keep you signed up to them, might be worth exploring.
If your going for Sky, go for the Sky+ service - allows you record Tv programms on the Sky box, "freeze live TV" etc. all excellent services !
Be
Cheers
G>