muffin1973,
A trip to IKEA is a great way to instantly furnish a house. I bought a house in March. At the end of February (before the contracts were signed), I got the estate agent to let me in to measure up the place. At the start of March I went to IKEA in Glasgow and brought all the furniture in one go. It was delivered 5 days later.
I'm really happy with the quality and design of the furniture - particularly the 3-seater and 2-seater sofas which are mega comfortable, some fantastic uplights, and those floating wood shelves.
I know a lot of people who have bought furniture in Ireland and have waited months for delivery. Actually, I know a woman who worked part-time at a furniture shop and ended up quitting because she couldn't hack having to tell bare-faced lies to people about when their furniture would arrive.
IKEA may not be everyone's cup of tea, but my house was transformed into a home instantly. Also, it was WAY cheaper than furniture in Ireland.
So, you could wait until August, see if you can be let in to the apartment to do measurements and then do your furniture shopping.
Best of luck.