CGI:IRC has an interface similar to many GUI IRC clients, with a tab for each channel, userlist and options tab (when used in modern, version 5+ browsers). Older browsers degrade to a single windowed interface with a slower updating userlist. The best way to show CGI:IRC is with some screenshots..

Galeon showing the login form	Status window in galaeon
Channel window in Internet explorer	Options window
It even works with links!