Look at the scope of the test, you can do pretty much all of it yourself at home without having to hear the hard sell on needing new tyres, brakes....What about taking your car to a place (like First Stop) that offers a free pre-NCT check?
Driving a car in Ireland without displaying a National Car Testing Service disc is an offence if the car is liable for testing. Offenders can face a fixed charge fine, as well as penalty points.