Opening a bank account in Ireland

I worked in Ireland for a summer and so had (and still have, though I'm living in the US for now) a bank account in Ireland. It's quite easy to get one. It's been a few years and I was applying for all kinds of other things like a PPS number and applying for jobs, so my memory is a little muddled, but I think all I needed was identification (I would have used my passport) and I think proof of my address. (I needed proof of address for something- I don't remember if it was for the bank account or not, but I think it was). Since I'd only been there for a few days, I used a utility bill and the person whose name was on the utility bill wrote a note saying that I was living at that address and signed it. Easy as that. I think I had my bank card within a week.

I banked with AIB and had no problems. Absolutely no idea about loans. Sorry.