ettenom... i found you also confused about your own man...your man is not an irish he is a pakistani it just happen he has a business in ireland as what you said
and you sounded like you are not even sure if you love him if he loves you everything between you are still plans and none of yet is happening. do you send letter on him through post or does he?they are complicated and i know much of there culture....but generally they always follow their religion not anybodys religion...if you two got married obviously you have to live in pakistan not in ireland or if he is already a citizen possibly...if you become his wife you have to wear their muslim attire and culture which i dont think you will ever gonna like it...based on how you tell your story i dont feel much good about it...not being judgemental....you have a very high hope for this man and a bit blinded by your feelings on him and how convinced you telling things about him but he doesnt seem doing much of what hes been saying...
you have to think of yourself your future you being with him all the possible conflicts between you religiously and by culture....its rare for a muslim not to marry the same kind....or if they do they will strongly want you to be one of them...and embrace their beliefs...so if you are ready about everything for this guy then and you believe in him then you are going to be together sometime be patient and we will wait for you to ask about applying for a settlement visa..... its seems everyone is giving a hearty advice on here for ya