Ireland and the UK aren't at the stage of North America yet, in terms of Internet. However places like Starbucks and Costa Coffee will have free wifi. Most hotels have wifi too at a cost. You could probably pick up a pre paid Dongle (usb modem) if it is only for checking email/icq. That will take away a lot of the hassle for you.
In the big towns you have tons of hotels, start going outside them and you will find a lot of B&B's. I highly recommend getting a GPS with your car rental as well, it'll come in very handy. Depending on the price to rent it with your car, and since I know your plans to go to Scotland too, it might serve you better to just buy one. It could work out just as cheap.
Have a great time, too bad I'm not gonna be in Scotland to catch you and Goodgirl. Drop me a message if you want any information on Scotland, I'll tell you the good and bad, which might serve you very well
