How good is a Irish uni compared to UK ones do they have ranking similar to RAE in UK?

They don't have an official ranking like the RAE one, but i can name two Iresh Universities that are one of the best, not in sourth Ireland, but even in the world.

Royal College of Surgeons (which offers only medical studies)
Trinity College, which is one of the leading universities. if you are thinking about an Irish university, I would really recommend having a look at Trinity at this link: http://www.tcd.ie

What would you say about UCC? Is it a good place to be? What about life there? People? Place for relaxation?