You need to have the following documents to be able to open an account:
-    Passport or national id card
-    Proof of address ( rental contract is not accepted for some reasons, but the PPS number letter, any kind of utility bill will do )
-    References from you employer or employment contract

The following debit/credit cards are provided:

-    ATM Card can be used in Ireland only and with withdrawal only
-    Laser Card can be used internationally no withdrawal fees in euro zone. This is a cirrus maestro compatible debit card with some credit facility
-    Visa well known credit card
-    MasterCard well known credit card
-    All other major credit cards

Once you have all the above outlined documents you can attempt to open an account. Be prepared that initially you may not be given a laser card (which is a cirrus maestro compatible debit card with some credit facility).The same applies for credit cards like VISA or MasterCard.

You will initially get is a so called ATM card that you can use ONLY to withdraw money in any ATM in Ireland you can not pay with it. You can not use this card in any foreign ATM either as it does not have an international standard. Additionally you even have to pay to withdraw money.

To get one of these bank cards you have to prove that you are a “good customer” by handling your accounts well. Once the bank sees that you have good intentions and no criminal relations, you are usually granted a laser card or a credit card. However, this all takes a minimum of 6 months. Some banks will not let you transfer money outside of Ireland in this initial 6 months period either.

Therefore, if you intend to use a credit card for online purchases or booking, it is recommended that you keep your credit card from your home country.  

Since you are not able to open an account before you have a job you might get your first salaries in check form. Make sure that you try to cash it in the issuing bank branch because other banks/branches probably will not do it for you. This means that you have to go to that branch used by your employer. You might also decide to go ahead and open your account at that branch for convenience and quicker transactions.  

Another banking option is internet banking. Unfortunately, you cannot do international transfers easily in Ireland. To initiate a transfer in Ireland you have to register the account number of the person where you want to transfer money through the phone or personally. Then you will see this account on your account lists. All you get is an account statement, you can order printed account statements online, etc

Since handling your banking is a complicated process and bank hours are usually from 10.00am-16:00pm, sometimes you have to request that your employer let you leave work early several times to take care of banking issues. Even on Thursdays, late opening days, banks still close by 5:00 p.m.

Finally, the list of the major banks in Ireland is as follows:

AIB      
Bank of Ireland     
Permanent tsb     
Ulster Bank  
Anglo Irish Bank
ACCBank
ICS
IIB Bank
Bank of Scotland Ireland
Irish Nationwide
First Active
EBS