So the folks at home grow tired and Ireland needs a knock out blow, exciting stuff. I'd say I'm wishing the Japanese have left the front door open but I'm quite hoping for a struggle. Also Russian intervention is worrisome. Not likely but given their position, whats to stop Kyoto from suggesting a split of Korea, or even handing it to Russia in exchange for helping them grab the Irish colonies?
And yes despite some flaws (no peacetime negotiations - my one weapon against AI madness), blockades in V2 are powerful, which adds a nice dimension. It always niggled me in Vicky that most wars could only really be ended by full on conquest. Go up against a small nation like Uruguay or Liberia and you can end the war with a few frigates, and maybe a landing party if you're feeling impatient. Its much more historically satisfying, even if Brazilian Persia is still not on.