Hi Niall,

I hate to say it, but you can forget bigger engines. Thanks to the blinkered and out-dated attitudes of the Irish insurance industry you really need to stick as close as possible to 1.0 litres to have any chance of getting a decent premium. 

If you've got a bit of budget, the best cars to go for are a Volkswagen up! (or identical Skoda Citigo or SEAT Mii) as they're well made, safe, reliable and good to drive. 

If you're on a tighter budget have a look for a good Nissan Micra. I know, I know, but they're actually very good cars and more enjoyable to drive than you might think.