GBP/UK Current Account

I travel on a regular basis to the UK and want to open a current account in a UK bank, so that I have a cheque book and ATM card for when I'm over there. Would just transfer lump sums to it when the exchange rate is good (like now!). Would want it to operate like my current account here, not interested in best rates etc, just ease of access. Has anyone any ideas?? Can I do this from here??

I think a Northern Irish bank will accept a ROI address.

I don't think the same applies to other UK banks.

i agree with fungas i think Northern Irish bank will accept a ROI address.

but if you are going to transfer lump sums i would advise not to use your bank for the currency transfer as you are likely to get a very poor rate of exchange, where you will lose around 1/2% of money transferred compared to using a currency exchange specialist.

Agreed, currency.ie have been mentioned previously as offering good rates.