Hi debora
When you're sending outgoing data, all ports are open unless you specifically close them (with firewalls, blocking).
You only need to open ports if you want incoming data on them.
Example: You don't need to open ports so that you can surf the web or access ftp.. But if you want to create an HTTP or FTP server on your machine, and want people to access it, then you open ports 80 and 21 (for incoming data)
mirc is windows based, right?
My guess is either there is some configuration in xchat you're missing, or there's something in linux blocking port 6667 (doubtful).
Did you try xchat on another computer?
Did you try other linux irc clients? like BitcX ? or maby these ones
http://www.linuxpackages.net/search_...e=irc&ver=10.1