Phone for traveling abroad

Hello,

I am a college student, and plan to study in Ireland next semester. My question is about the best course of action re: using a cell phone in Europe. I am a Verizon customer, currently 1/2 way into a service contract. My phone is not GSM.

My question is: What options do I have as far as purchasing a new phone? Any recommendations? I've researched renting a phone, but it hardly seems cost effective, as I will be there for many months.

Thank you!

There's a couple other options as well.

-Verizon does provide a GSM phone to people who wish to travel abroad, but you have to call care, have the phone shipped, and then the charges for International roaming are rather expensive.
-you could always rent a GSM phone and setup a prepaid service...cheapeast route IMO