Alcohol plus Ireland?

A friend of mine is planning to go to Ireland and is bringing a girlfriend aged 17. He asked me if I knew whether it would be problematic for her to get into pubs etc. and I told him I'd ask around. I don't know how many of you have been to/are from Ireland, but if anyone got give me some insight as to how strict they might be about it I'd appreciate it a lot!

Shame Angry isn't here.

Check that site out.

http://goireland.about.com/od/safetyinireland/qt/alcohol_law.htm

I'm sure people young as 12-13 have been served at my local pubs. Pretty ridiculous if true.

I live in Dublin. Ehhm depending on how old she looks, she may encounter problems. Believe it or not, the off-licenses etc. here are quite strict. Pubs shouldn't be too much hassle to be fair, but if they plan on properly going out to some clubs etc. she will need an I.D. They ask everyone for I.D getting into clubs in Dublin, but there is a fair amount of leeway.

I recommend she bring something fake. An older sister's passport, perhaps? Or even a friend who might look anything like her. My sister is 17, she goes out weekly here with a friend who's 19's passport and gets in everywhere. Basically, without any form of I.D she won't get in anywhere. Because she's foreign, she may get away with a fake driver's license with the excuse 'I didn't want to bring my passport out in case I lose it'. Shouldn't be too much hassle.

Where abouts are they planning to go?

Slightly OT but I find that night-clubs in Dublin to be a bit more stern compared to Limerick and Tipp. They definitely won't let anyone if they just 'look' >18.
I've only been up there a few times in the past year or so though.

Not sure about pubs.

So uh, yeah. What Jamie said basically.

just be classy and get pissed in the hotel... or go too a restaurant and order her a pint with her fish fingers and chips