Silver bars do attract VAT of 21% if imported into Ireland.
100 oz. and 1000 oz. silver bars can be bought and stored in depositories in the US, the tax free zone in Zurich airport or in unallocated or allocated accounts in the Perth Mint (avoiding VAT).
Silver in PMCP allocated accounts cost 2.5% storage charge per annum and small fabrication fee over the spot rate. Unallocated accounts do not have any annual fee or fabrication fee and are thus more competitive and for that reason most popular. Many go unallocated but intend converting to allocated should their be a large short squeeze and uncertainty in the precious metals and wider financial markets.
If you really want to take delivery of your silver bullion then large Silver US Dollar Legal Tender Bullion Bags can be imported into Ireland.
Due to their legal tender status they are VAT free.
These silver coins are US dollars, half dollars and quarters used as day to day currency in the US up until 1970 when all coinage became made of base metals.
The disadvantage of the bags is that they are very heavy (90% bags are 715 oz. of pure silver and weigh 795 oz.). Thus insured delivery of these bags is expensive at some €220 each way. The bag must be returned to a specialist depository to be resold. Thus they are not for investors looking for a return rather they are used as a permanent insurance or savings component of a portfolio.
None of these methods seem particularly attractive really. I guess I'll look in greater depth into silver numismatics, which could serve as a leveraged play on silver. Junk silver as you mentioned is a possible option but really more for the currency collapse scenario. Was surprised on my last visit to the US that loads of these coins are still in active circulation. Great to pick them up in change!