I agree you should spend most of your time in Phuket and specifically in Patong, I am sure you will love it. Your irish sensibilities will be tested but I am sure you will cope. A holiday in Thailand is great fun and you will not be disappointed. You will find the cost a lot less expensive then holidaying in Europe or its environs.
In regards to the excess consumpion of alcohol I personally have never had a problem despite the fact that I have been pissed from one end of Thailand to the other and enjoyed every moment.
As a son of the soil myself it is nice to know we have another Irish Legend on board and a Dub as well. Wonders will never cease.