Hi Tara,

I'm a vegetarian and I toured Ireland in 2006. No problem finding vegetarian offerings, but I can't speak for vegan.

More availablity in Dublin for sure, than in small towns. We ate at Nude [owned by Bono's brother] and it had both vegetarian and vegan options. I don't think you will have any problem at all there. There's also Wagarama, a chain, that has lots of options.

As for small towns like Ardara in County Donegal, we were often served pasta with overcooked vegetables for dinner. Larger towns like Westport or Trim were no problem. There is always a Chinese or Indian or Italian resturant. Another option is stopping at the store to get picnic foods.  Usually there would be something in a pub, although usually fried and I don't eat fried food.

Check out these links:
http://www.irishvegetarian.com/
http://www.findarestaurant.ie/Vegetarian_Restaurants_in_Ireland.htm
http://vegans.frommars.org/ireland/

Hope this helps,
Erin