I understand that you must first establish your COMI (that the UK is now your centre of main interest) and should be there for 3-6 months to do this and set up a domicile trail. Then after the bankruptcy is lodged, it takes a year to be discharged, so in total it may take longer than a year from start to finish. If one has income over and above a basic living expense you will be bound by an IPO - income payment order - but I have read that in some cases online the IPO can extend beyond a year, to around 3 years. After much consideration and research, I felt that for us the bankruptcy route is too extreme and am seriously considering a debt settlement arrangement in Ireland instead where the whole debt is discharged after 5 years, without the need for dramatic bankruptcy. Also, I felt that bankruptcy is a difficult option if you intend to work in the UK - as all bank accounts are closed/frozen and in most cases wages need to paid in cash etc. But it may be more suitable for you to do the UK route as you intend to return to Ireland afterwards