I can't explain why, but I've been having a distinct hunger for music of an Irish
 

The problem is I'm completely ignorant when it comes to Irish music of any sort and I'm not certain about where I should begin. I trust there's an ethusiast around here somewhere to help me out.

If you like Rock try U2 especially their early releases. If you like traditional, start off with Séamus Ennis, singer and player of the uilleann pipes; and if you like the sound of the flute try Séamus Tansey.

Well I AM Irish, so as Neap says depends on what you want.

Rock, look no further than Rory Gallagher, master of the blues, or Gary Moore. Also check out Aslan and In Tua Nua as well as Mama's Boys. Sweet Savage are damn good too.
Trad, it's got to be Dubliners, Wolfe Tones, Planxty, Moving Hearts, Mary Black, Chieftains and Christy Moore to get you started.
Electronic I don't know, though Jape are quite good I hear, so are Dark Room Notes.
Basic rock/pop/folk would be Lisa Hannigan, and don't forget Sinead!

As I say, really depends on what TYPE of Irish music you want to get into.
Feel free to PM me if you have questions.
TH

I have no experience with Irish traditional music, but I do like folk-inflected punk acts like Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys - worth a listen?

More traditional irish bands i listen to are more on the rebel side like
Charlie And The Bhoys
Athenrye
Eire Og
Shebeen

These bands are not for everyone though.

Some other really good irish bands i like from NI and ROI are
God Is An Astronaut
And So I Watch You From Afar (both are post rock bands)
Two Door Cinema Club
Therapy
And of course one of the best bands ever My Bloody Valentine.

This one million times.