Would it be better for my son to join the study abroad process even though he is not at home right now in Ireland?

Yes, your son can absolutely start and manage the study abroad process while he is away from home, since almost all of it now happens online through university portals, email and digital document submission. Being away from Ireland does introduce a few extra logistics you should plan around together, mainly involving physical paperwork and time zone coordination. He does not need to wait until he is physically home to begin his research and applications.

What He Can Do Remotely Vs What Needs You At Home

How To Make The Remote Process Smoother

• Agree on a plan where you check the mail at home and photograph or scan any physical documents that arrive for him.
• Account for time zone differences when scheduling video interviews or calls with university advisors so nothing gets missed.
• Treat this as good practice for the independence he will need once he actually moves abroad for his studies.

My Advice

Have your son start his university shortlist and initial online applications this week rather than waiting for him to return home, and set up a simple system now where you forward or scan any physical mail that arrives for him. This way, the only step that truly needs his physical presence, like passport renewal or notarized documents, becomes the one thing you plan around instead of the whole process.