The real key is in finding a good company in your area and check out everything they offer from price, warranty, qualifications, certifications, service back up, service costs, etc.
Buy from a top end WQA (Water Quality Association) member with Certified Water Specialist training and qualifications, or someone with 5 to 15 years experience in water treatment with a cast iron customer satisfaction list, and you can't go far wrong.
Check out -
WQA: wqa.org - and click on "Find A Water Professional".
Select Ireland from the country list and you will see all current Irish members and Certified Water Specialists. Ireland now currently has the highest number of WQA Certified Water Professionals in Europe, with the highest levels of professional certification in Europe.
As for products, the US made systems have always been the most reliable and brands like Clack - the WS1CI systems combine reliability with high specification, build quality and back up at very keen prices.
Taller Clack metered systems for the garage that will be easy to access, service and give 30 to 40 years service, now come in at half the Celtic tiger pricing from 500 to 700 euros supplied and good installers will charge from 850 to 1,100 for the best packages.
The country's best installers are ...
Mark Leenders in Kerry - Aqua Control Ltd
Mike Robson in Dublin - Watersource
Heinrich Leisner in Roscommon - Smart Water Solutions
Hugh Ryan in Kinvara - Hugh Ryan Water Treatment
Google "water softener" or "water softeners" and see what companies are offering and recommending.