Getting a work visa from America to go to Europe huh??? As far as i know, if you get a work visa it will be for all of the EU countries,
Austria
Belgium
Denmark
Finland
France
Sweden
Germany
Greece
Ireland
Spain
Portugal
Netherlands
Luxembourg
Italy
But i have heard rumors of it being very hard to get, maybe someone can confirm that. How old are you, because if is a student working visa, it should be some what easier.
I would start with the Irish Embassy, since they are an English speaking EU member, they should be aboe to answer your question regarding work visa and how they are use through out the Eu community.
There are a number of reciprocal exchange programmes which permit U.S. students, college groups and societies to take short-term work in Ireland. Persons considering such a program should contact the Council on International Education Exchange at 205 East 42nd. St, New York, NY 10017, tel. (212) 661-1450.
I hope this is what your looking for !!!!