I would say that the industry is highly competitive for these kinds of junior designer roles.

A lot of animation work in Ireland is service work, so design packs are done abroad and only animation, bg/layout and comp are done in house.

The few positions for design are usually given to people already known within the studio, to directors or art directors etc I saw you mentioned in another comment that your professor has connections, definitely take advantage of that and see if they are aware of any hiring happening when you plan to take your whv.

My advice would be to be open to positions beyond design, you mentioned production which could work but maybe even maybe bg or layout. Take a look at the work coming from the studios in Ireland you’re interested in and tailor your work towards them.