1

Other questions I'll have to leave to experts more in that area (or you could call/email the Irish consulate near you and ask?)

As an American, I can spend 90 days in Schengen countries out of every 180. If I hold a valid working holiday visa for Ireland, is that still the case?
Yes, there's no change, Ireland is not in Schengen.

2

Hi Scott

I am by no means an expert on this topic, but I did study in Ireland as an American post-graduate, so I can speak to the experience and some of the documentation you might be expected to present. Keep in mind I studied several years ago, so some of the regulations may have changed.

All of the info about the working holiday scheme for Americans is located here: http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=73713

I presume you are trying to do this holiday while you are still studying in the US, is that correct? If so, you will probably be applying for the visa through the Irish Embassy or consulate in the US, who will be able to direct you as to what paperwork specifically you'll need to lodge an application. I would have to assume that this would include official copies of your transcripts and proof of enrollment from your university.

One basic thing to keep in mind about getting a visa for Ireland is that regulations are really quite strict. You will likely be questioned fairly rigorously at passport control when you enter, and you will need to have extensive proof of your enrollment, including headed letters from your university, transcripts and any other documents you can think of handy, just in case. Sometimes, passport control officers have been known to enquire about students' funding, so if you are receiving American student aid or are self-funded, be sure to carry print-outs of all your financials, including bank statements proving your worth.

I would imagine that as long as you have outbound flights from Ireland, you should be fine, but again, it would be a good question to ask the embassy staff while you are applying for the visa in the States.

3

This is all very well, but you'll have to get a job once you get there, and that might not be easy.

http://usi.ie/2013/04/usi-calls-for-major-investment-in-youth-guarantee-as-statistics-highlight-30-8-unemployment-for-under-25s/

Good luck...