To get a firearms licence here you only need the permission of 3 landowners or be a member of a gun club.So its not that hard to get a licence here.
As for the enjoyment, I have been shooting since I was sixteen. I find it a great way to relax and the slagging that goes on between all the lads is great.You dont have to be a "hunter" to own a gun here, there are plenty of us shooters who enjoy clay shooting more so than the actual shooting of live game.
I dont know what part of Ireland you are in, but there are 2 good shooting grounds in Dublin, one in Courtlough and one not too far from the airport. You can get some coaching there and 99%(I say 99% because there will always be one bastard in life) of people there would be more than happy to help you along the way.
If clays are not to your liking there is always rifle shooting. A target range is open in Tullowmore, again people there will help you to know end.
We have not any handgun clubs except for I that I have just found out about,due to the troubles, they are not illegal here it is just that the garda will not issue you with a licence, but I think that is being challenged in the courts at the moment. So in a few years time you might, and that is a big might be able to get your hands on a handgun.
As for it getting boring, if it was that easy we would all be world champions
