Joyce's first taste of international cricket came in 2000, when he played for Ireland in the Under-19 World Cup. He first played for Ireland at senior level in July 2000 in the European Championship in Scotland. This was followed by a three-match series against the MCC in May 2001 and the 2001 ICC Trophy. This was followed by a match against Australia and an appearance in the Triple Crown Tournament. He made his List A debut in August 2001 against Wiltshire in the C & G Trophy.