Mel ... if there's one country where you have a chance of tracing your heritage, it's probably Ireland. Wow. A couple of years ago, I accompanied someone on a trip to Ireland (lucky me!!), whose primary intent for traveling there was to trace her family back to her grandfather who'd come to the states during WWII. I was *astounded* at the genealogitic records officially maintained by Ireland. It literally goes back as far as any written records. It's not always easy, but, tenacity in your search will most likely pay off.

CEC and Celtia, in general, has a number of really great references, even if you have to search a bit. And if that fails to help, just do a Google search on "tracing Irish heritage" ... you'll find a TON of references!!

Best of luck to you!
Ladee