I have a LDR, too, and one thing I did soon after it started was call the phone company. I don't know how it works in Ireland, as I am in the U. S. and so is my partner, but I was able to get unlimited long distance on my land line phone for about US$50 a month. After I got the phone bill for our first month apart, to the tune of US$400, I found this was a lifesaver. I also made his numbers "favorites" on my cell phone, which lets me have unlimited calling with him, on top of my regular minutes. Again, not sure how it is in Ireland, but nobody needs money stress on top of being separated from the one they love.
Best of luck to you both.