hiya, as with everything, how you are taxed and the benefits are dependant on how you go about taking the money.
If There is a tax free sum, it will be tax free in ireland, but the balance will need to be declared as an income and taxed accordingly, but if moved from the uk only taxed in ireland, dependant on overall income.
cautious is correct, even a little time spent in the uk can be very advantageous to you, especially if you take advantage of the buying back years. If allowed, it is a must...
If you want to contact directly, i can go through with you in more detail, especially as may be available to you from age 50, even if still working...