I need some way to communicate with the US when I am in Ireland... Does anyone know if I should buy a pre-paid cell phone here or wait till I get over to Ireland to get any type of pay as you go phone?

Well, the pay-as-you-go plan from Vodafone will cost you between 1 euro per a minute for every call to the U.S.. O2 charges nearly 2 euro/minute, but they have a special "Speakeasy" option you can sign up for that'll bring the cost down a bit. The only advantage is that incoming calls are free on both carriers, so if you're planning to have friends/family call you from the U.S. (either on their landlines or via Skype) then you should save some bucks.

Depending on your needs, however, buying a prepaid phone card once you get there might be a simpler option.

Either option would be better than buying a prepaid cellphone here and bringing it to Ireland.

Awesome...thanks for the help...I just read up on Vodafone and meteor (something like that). So the majority says just buy a pre-paid one once I get there.

No problem! Have a good time in Ireland, Jackie.

If the people your going to be talking to in the states it may bo worth checking out the mobile phone network 3 they seem to have Skype supported on (some) of their phones. Don't know anyone on 3 in the Republic though so can't comment on them (they seem to have good reception etc in Northern Ireland)

http://www.3ireland.ie/on3/skype.htm

If and when you do get access to a computer, you can use Skype to make calls back home for .02 cents per minute! If your family and friends have a skype account on their computers you will be able to talk for free. Free (PC to PC Calls), .02 Cents per minute (PC to U.S. Landline Calls)

I've been using Skype for the last three months here in Europe and I'm obsessed with it now!

Just a quick note.

If you purchase a Phone in Southern Ireland (The Republic)and go to Northern Ireland you will switch to the relevant UK Network and WILL be charged more for sending a text/making a call and you will be charged for recieving a call too as it will be "roaming".

This will also apply if you buy a phone in N.I. as it will be on the UK network and when you go to the South it will switch to the relevant Irish network and then charge you the extra roaming fees too.

May be worth a thought buying a cheap phone and 2 sim cards (cheap on pay as you go) if you plan on spending a lot of time in both parts of the Island, if the phone is unlocked it will accept any sim card.