OK - from my network connection IPv4 Proprieties I selected "Use the following DNS server..." and input 8.8.8.8 (and 8.8.4.4 for the secondary) and now I can get onto irchighway using the DNS name irc2.irchighway.net ...
Sure thing!
Do note that you should be able to use irc.irchighway.net too I'm gonna mark this as closed now.
There he drew forth the brand Excalibur
And o'er him, drawing it, the winter moon,
Brightening the skirts of a long cloud, ran forth
And sparkled keen with frost against the hilt:
For all the haft twinkled with diamond sparks,
Myriads of topaz-lights, and jacinth-work
Of subtlest jewellery
Forum 
Forum 
I'm gonna mark this as closed now.