I was told that corned beef is rare in Ireland - that, in general, beef is rare in Ireland.

Right on the first count Joe, I have never seen it anywhere here (but I wasn't looking either in fairness). Corned Beef and Cabbage as the ultimate Irish food is a Yank invention, not to be found here. Bacon and cabbage it is every time.

On the second count you're totally wrong. Irish beef is abundant, had a bit of a dip when the Mad Cow came around but it's all back these days. We're surrounded by the feckin cows to be honest.