Im Irish too and have been playing the drums for 12 years. I had to sell my acoustic set last year because of the noise. I moved to my new house and they were just too loud. real acoustic drums and cymbals are really really loud (i cant emphasice that enough) so if you think noiser levels might be an issue then they probably will be.
If you decide to start drumming and go for an electric kit I would suggest you go for a used kit. You can find loads on ebay in both the UK and US. Even try ebay.de in Germany. You will easilly be able to find a kit there and shouldnt really spend anymore than about E600 on a starter kit. Electric kits can be played in earphones or connected to an amp if you join a band. There are loads of other advantages too to an electric. Many of them have inbuilt tutors to help you learn and preprogrammed songs that will get you started. They are also much lighter and are usually all on the one rack and this is a real god send if you are moving them regularly.
Try a search for yamaha dtx, pintech, roland and Hart Dynamics. They are all very creditable manufacturers and all have starter kits. Where in Ireland are you? Im in Dublin 15. I can help you with set up/ making a final coice etc etc if you are close by. Ill even show you a few GNR songs!
Author