Hi Phoenix, there is ( as yet ) no mandatory central registration system for wills in this country, so on a practical level if someone makes a will and they do not inform their next of kin, keep a copy or inform the executor, then it can be hard to find. What tends to happen is that the next of kin have an idea as to whether or not the individual made or was likely to have made a will ,and if so, where. IF their family solicitor ( if they had one) doesnt have the will, they will write to all the other solicitors in the area to check if they hold one, and possibly will advertise in the Law Society gazette in the lost wills section.
If a husband dies without a will and leaves only a wife surviving, his wife inherits all of his estate. If he dies with a wife and children, his wife inherits two thirds, and the remaining third is divided among his children.
In relation to bank accounts, these can be put into the spouses name if the value of the estate is below €12700 or thereabouts with revenue clearance. Anything higher than that and the bank may require a grant of administration. These accounts could be frozen on the death- very awkward for a surviving spouse.