Ireland is home to a surprising number of talented entertainers. Check out the list of some of our favorite celebrities of Irish descent.
We focused mainly on celebs born in Ireland but we cheated in a few special cases. If you think we are missing one of your faves or we got some information wrong, please let us know on facebook or in our comments section below!
Scroll down to start our list!
Pierce Brosnan
Who wouldn’t be familiar with Pierce Brosnan? The British secret agent James Bond. Brosnan was born in Drogheda Ireland on May 16, 1953, and lived in Navan County Meath until his family decided to move to England UK for several reasons. Well, living in Ireland and the UK have given him the ability to play men coming from both backgrounds convincingly. Unfortunately though, at a very early age, his father left them, but have reunited later on in life. He’s most famous for his James Bond movies– that this is how he gathered a lot of fans, but aside from being an actor, he’s also known as a guy with a huge heart. He has been raising money for a number of charitable causes, and on the year 2007, he donated $100,00 to help in replacing the playground on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
Enya
Eithne Ní Bhraonáin was born on May 17, 1961 in Gweedore, England. She was born in a family of musicians that at a very young age, Enya already knows how to play the keyboard, and so, together with her siblings, they have decided to form a band named Clannad before she pursued her solo career. It wasn’t an easy dream, but she knows something good awaits her. She continued to strive hard until she finally reached her goal. She got famous for her album Watermark that was released in 1988, and this album managed to sell more than 8 million copies. However, in the year 1991, with the release of her album, Shepherd Moons, she enjoyed even greater success.
She also contributed the hit score “May It Be,” that has been part of the first “Lord of the Rings” movie.
Liam Neeson
Born on June 7, 1952 in Ballymena, Ireland to a school caretaker dad, while his mother is a cook, Liam Neeson was raised in Ireland. Before he got famous, Liam he have tried a number of careers; in fact, he used to be as an assistant designer, and a driver He has a love for teaching, and considered a career out of it. Though, in 1976, he took part on the Belfast Lyric Player’s Theater and this is where he got his first acting role in the theatrical play entitled, “The Risen People.”
After that, he discovered that he has a career as an action leading man and so, he decided to take part in several popular action movies, such as Taken 2, Wrath of the Titans, the Grey, and The A-Team.
Colin Farrell
Born on May 31, 1976, Colin James Farrel is an Irish actor who is best known for being a part of a long list of high-profile Hollywood films, and his controversial off-screen lifestyle that a lot of his fans are probably aware of. He made his film debut in the drama The War Zone, and was later on discovered by a Hollywood producer when Joel Schumacher decided to cast him as the lead in his epic war drama, the Tigerland. After that, he also became part of the psychological thriller Phone Booth and a long list of American thrillers, such as The Recruit and Swat.
Though, aside from being an actor, Farrell is also one of the Celebrities spokesman for the Special Olympics Games that was held in Shanghai China. Basically, he was using his popularity for good and that is to raise awareness.
Cillian Murphy
Born on May 25, 1976 in Douglas Ireland, this striking Irish actor is the oldest child of Brendan Murphy who used to work for the Irish Department of Education, while his mother is a French teacher. Murphy has three younger siblings and studied at Brothers College. Though, later on, he went to study law at University College Cork, but eventually dropped out before he was able to graduate. During this time, he discovered that he’s quite interested in music, and so, he considered playing guitar in several bands.
Upon leaving the university, Murphy eventually took part in Corcodorca Theater Company in Cork, and here, he played the lead role in “Disco Pigs.”
Murphy continued to appear in high profile films, such as the Dark Knight Rises, Red Lights, and the final film in Nolan’s Batman Trilogy.
Jamie Dornan
Those who have probably seen the movie version of Fifty Shades of Grey are probably familiar with this man– Jamie Dornan.
Jamie Dornan was born on May 1, 1982 in Belfast, North Ireland where he grew up as the grandson of Methodist preachers in their area, and his mother died when he was just 16. He was an athlete and actor in his former high school and for college, he went to Tesside University. However, he wasn’t able to finish his degree because he decided to eventually drop out and this is where he discovered that he has a knack for acting.
Aside from being Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey, he also appeared in the Sofia Copolla film entitled Marie Antoinette. The movie is about the life of a French queen who had a pretty strong cult following during her reign, and this is where he became really popular. Then, during the release of Fifty Shades of Grey, he managed to increase the number of his fans, and mostly are females.
Bob Geldof
Bob Geldolf was born in the year 1951 in Ireland and had a couple of hits with his band called the “Boomtown Rats” during the 80’s. However, it wasn’t until Geldolf decided to form the pop charity Band Aid trust in the year 1984 that he became more popular. This campaign allowed him to raise more than $8 million for African families relief shortly after releasing his hit song, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”
Though, his charity works don’t stop here. In July 2005, he also organized several “Live 8” charity pop concerts that coincided with the G8 summit in regard to world poverty. This concert was held in Perthshire, Scotland.
Jonathan Rhys Meyers
No one can deny about the androgynous look Meyers has. In fact, a lot of his fans believe that if he hasn’t gone into acting, there’s a great possibility that he’ll be one of the Calvin Klein models.
He was born on July 27,1977, in Dublin Ireland and had a tumultuous childhood, mainly because his father abandoned them when he was still little. This affected him growing up that at the age of 16, he was kicked out from his school. He spent most of his days hanging in pool halls and this is where he was discovered by a casting agent, and the rest is his story. Some of his most popular films include Mission Impossible, Match Point and Bend it Like Beckham.
Bono
Paul David Hewson, better known as Bono, was born on May 10, 1960 in Dublin Ireland. He was the son of a Protestant mother and a Roman Catholic postal worker– both of his parents died when he was just 14 years old. While still in high school, he got interested in joining a band called U2 and their sixth album, “The Joshua Tree,” had made them international stars and it’s something they haven’t expected to happen. This fame that he managed to enjoy, he used it to call the attention of people all over the world to pay attention to worldwide problems, such as AIDs and poverty, making him “Person of the Year” by TIME Magazine. Not just that, because of his philanthropic nature, even Queen Elizabeth II has decided to make him one of her honorary knights in 2007.
The Edge
Although he was born in Barking, Essex on August 8, 1961, in East London, Dave ‘The Edge’ Evans, moved to Dublin Ireland when he was just a year old. This is where Dave lived ever since, and according to those who knew ‘The Edge,’ he was a quiet, yet intelligent kid back then. He was good in school, and studied at St. Andrew’s Primary School and at Mount Temple– this is where he met his future bandmates. As a member of the famous band U2 and as an individual, the Edge has been a part of a number of human rights and philanthropic organizations. For one, he’s the co-founder of the Music Rising; a charity support group that raises funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Aside from that, he also collaborated with U2 bandmate Bono on a number of projects, such as the songs Tina Turner, and Roy Robinson.
Brendan Gleeson
If you are familiar with “Mad-Eye Moody,” then you probably know who Brenda Gleeson is. He’s an Irish actor who plays the role of Mad-Eye Moody in Harry Potter films.
He was born in March, 29, 1955 in Dublin, Ireland. At a very young age, he already knew what he wanted to do in his life, and that is to become an actor. However, it wasn’t as easy as it may sound. In fact, he spent a decade of his life teaching high school before he decided to pursue his acting career where his debut was being a part of the Jim Sheridan’s “The Field.” After that, he continued to become part of several films, such as 28 Days Later, Cold Mountain, Michael Collins, Troy, The Village, Kingdom of Heaven, and Harry Potter.
Aidan Turner
Born in Dublin, Ireland in the year 1983, Aidan Turner knew what he always wanted– to become an actor, and so, after graduating from the Gaiety School of Acting in the year 2004, he decided to take part in a number of stage productions, and he did his best every time. However, he knew that this wasn’t enough, so he made a transition to movies and televisions where he got a lead role in the film Alarm, and a supporting role in the popular Irish TV drama, the Clinic.
Just recently, Aidan also took a small role in the movie, The Secret Scripture so that he’d be able to work with one of his favorite directors, no other than Jim Sheridan.
Richard Harris
Born in Limerick, Ireland, Richard Harris has seven sisters and brothers, and this is where he learned from a very early age that he should shout and ‘create’ just so he can get the attention of other. Being part of a huge family, he always felt that he’s often neglected by his parents.
Growing up, he found passion in literature and have always been interested in being as part of the theater. His first debut was the movie, “Shake Hands with the Devil,” but his breakthrough performance was the quintessential “angry man,” in the drama, “This Sporting Life.”
His most famous role was being Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movies.
Caitriona Balfe
Born in Dublin, Ireland on October 4, 1979, Caitriona Balfe grew up in the village of Tydavnet and spend most of her childhood years here. She started modeling at the age of 19, and it was all because she was discovered by an agent who was collecting money for a local fund drive at a certain mall. After that, she has been a regular of runaways, and have been part of large fashion brands, such as Fendi, DKNY, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Hugo Boss, and Many more.
Though aside from being a model, she also took part in a number of movies, and some of the most famous ones include Super 8 and Now You See Me.
Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth Branagh was born on December 10, 1960 in Belfast, Ireland, to parents Frances Branagh and William Branagh. At the age of 23, he decided to join the Royal Shakespeare Company and this is where he took the starring roles in Romeo and Juliet and Henry V, but he knew that something better awaits him, and so, he continued to hone his skills not only in literature, but in acting as well.
He’s an actor and director who portrayed a very popular literary character Hamlet in the 1966 film. He also directed a number of films based on popular Shakespeare’s Plays. Though, what made him very popular is the film adaptation of Henry V where he won the awards for best director and actor.
He’s also played the role of Professor Gilderoy Lockhart in the 2002 film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Jack Gleeson
A hugely talented Irish actor who has retired at the young age of twenty three. Jack Gleeson was born on 20th May, 1992 in Cork,Ireland. He received wide spread acclaim for his entrancing portrayal of Joffrey Baratheon in the popular series Game of Thrones.
His roles in the The Game of Thrones garnered Jack Gleeson widespread acclaim in the industry, though he had previously stated he would retire at the end of his role in the Game of Thrones.
This Irish youngster started off his now retired acting career by starring in films like Reign of Fire, Batman Begins, Shrooms, A Shine of Rainbows and All Good Children.
Following a short but successful career in the film industry, he retired shortly after his role in Game of Thrones to devote his time fully to his studies at Trinity College, Dublin where he studies philosophy and theology.
Aidan Gillen
With a career in the movie industry spanning more than thirty years, Aidan Gillen has garnered a reputation as well as recognition for his sterling performances in popular television series. Aidan Gillen has starred in notable TV series, churning out performances that earned him the admiration of his colleagues in the industry.
Born on April 24, 1968 in Drumcondra, Dublin, is well known for his roles in the cunning Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish in the Game of Thrones, The Dark Knight Rises, John Boy in the series Love/Hate, and the many others.
A career that started off as a teenager with the Dublin Youth Theatre, Aidan Gillen has since gone on to establish himself as an actor of repute and versatility.
The Irish star is the host of Television series Other Voices. His brilliant career has seen him rewarded with a litany of awards including, two Irish Films& Television Awards, nomination for a British Television Award, and few others.
Aidan Gillen is married to Olivia O’Flanagan since 2001. An actor known for his appreciation of family, Aidan Gillen dedicated his Irish Film Television award for The wire to his wife and kids. He resides in Ireland with his wife and two children.
Sam Neill
Born Nigel John Dermot Neill, Sam Neill as he is more commonly known was born on 14 September, 1947 in Omagh, Northern Ireland. Popularly known for his leading role in the thriller Jurassic Park, the Irish actor with the New Zealand, British and Irish nationality has also played leading roles in films such as Omen III: The Final Conflict and Dead Calm, Reilly and Ace of Spies.
A prolific actor, it would be difficult to believe that Neill was a bad stutterer in his childhood. According to reports, the stuttering was so bad, he refused to talk altogether. However, in a complete turnaround, Neill is a patron of the Australian Speak Easy Association and the British Stammering Association (BSA).
He received widespread acclaim for his roles as Alistair Stewart in The Piano, Merlin, The Hunt for Red October, and The Tudors.
Neill was first married to New Zealand actress Lisa Harrow, with whom he had a son. He is currently married to makeup artist Noriko Watanabe. They have a daughter, Elena born in 1991. He also has a stepdaughter, Maiko Spencer from Noriko’s first marriage.
Ciaran Hinds
A highly versatile actor, Hinds is notable for his ability to play very differing characters, appearing in films as The Phantom of the Opera, there will be blood, Munich, Road to Perdition, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance and Frozen and many others.
Born on 9 February, 1953 in Belfast, Ireland. Ciaran hinds is married to Hélène Patarot since 1987. Active since 1976, he is popularly known for his portrayal of Mance Rayder in Game of Thrones, Gaius Julius Cesar in the television series Rome, and James Langton in Above Suspicion.
Hinds is also known for his stage performances. Working with the Royal National Theater in London & six seasons with Glasgow Citizens’ Theater. Hinds also played a role in the production of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof as Big Daddy in early 2013.
Patricia Quinn
Notable for her role as Magenta in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Patricia Quinn was born in Belfast, Ireland on 28 May, 1944. A singer and actress of high repute, Quinn has also starred in roles such as Elizabeth Siddal in the 1975 mini series The Love School, Livilla in I, Claudius (1976), Shock Treatment, “Woman” in Hawk the Slayer, and Rob Zombie ‘s The Lords of Salem.
A legend with differing talents, Patricia Quinn is still delivering notable performances even today.
Quinn was first married to Don Hawkins with whom she had a son, Her nephews, Jonny Quinn and Bradley Quinn, are both members of the alternative rock band Snow Patrol.
Quinn is also stepmother to actors Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin from her second husband Robert Stephen’s previous marriage. She married Robert Stephens in January 1995 and he died in November of that year. Stephens had been knighted prior to his death, giving Quinn the title of Lady Stephens.
Chris O’Dowd
An Irish actor and comedian known for his role in Calvary. Born on October 9, 1979 in Sligo, Ireland. Chris O’Dowd reprised notable roles in films like Frequently asked questions about time travel, Thor, St Vincent and Calvary.
Chris O’Dowd is married to TV presenter Dawn O’Porter for three years now, married in 2012, the couple now have a baby boy. Known for his sense of humor, dedication to his family and his career,
Chris O’Dowd has also appeared in movies like Bridesmaid, The Sapphires, and The Program.
Chris O’Dowd is also a talented writer and producer. The hugely talented actor has been rewarded for his sterling roles with international recognition and awards.
Michelle Fairley
Born on 17 January, 1964 in Coleraine,Northern Ireland. Fairley is well known for her stunning performance as Catelyn Stark in the Television series, GOT (Game of Thrones). She is also recognized for her roles as Ava Hessington in the USA Network series Suits, and as terrorist Margot Al-Harazi, in 24: Live Another Day.
Fairley lives in Kensal Rise, West London. The Irish star is still single after separating from her partner of seven years and is very content with her single status. Fairley has never been married and has never been a mother. In an interview she asserted that just because one has a womb doesn’t necessitate the woman giving birth.
The Irish actress who shot to stardom following her role as Catelyn Stark in the Game of Thrones has also seen in the movie- The Iron Clad.
Liam Cunningham
Born in East Hall, Dublin, Ireland. He has received widespread acclaim and recognition for his performances in the films A Little Princess, Jude, Dog Soldiers, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, Hunger, Centurion, Clash of the Titans, The Escapist, Black Butterflies and The Guard.
He gained international recognition and praise for his portrayal of Davos Seaworth in Television series, GOT(Game of Thrones). Liam Cunningham is also a stage actor, appearing in many stage performances.
He has been rewarded for his notable performances throughout his career with two Irish Film awards and nomination for the London Film Critics’ Circle Award.
With a career spanning more than twenty three years, Liam Cunningham is married to Collette Cunningham. They have three children.
Victoria Smurfit
Victoria Smurfit is an Irish actress born on 31, March 1974 in Dublin, Ireland. She was married to Douglas Baster in 2000, they have three children. The couple filed for a divorce in February, 2015.
Born into a very wealthy home, it is a testament to Victoria Smurfit determination to succeed as an actress that has seen takes on many roles successfully.
One of Smurfit most notable roles is as Cruella De Vil in Once Upon a Time. She is also well known for her roles in Smurfit gained fame for her role in the BBC television series Ballykissangel, her starring role in Trial & Retribution as DCI Roisin Connor, a guest role in BBC Radio 4 series Baldi and Dracula.
Victoria Smurfit’s dedication to her career has seen her take on more challenging roles. She will be taking up the lead role in the film ‘homecoming’ which is currently being shot.
Paula Malcomson
Also known as Paula Williams, Paula Malcomson is an Irish actress recognized for her role as Mrs Everdeen in the Hunger games. Malcomson was born in 1970 in Belfast, Ireland.
She started her acting career in 1992, she has appeared in movies and TV series like Lost, the Battlestar Galactica spin-off series Caprica , on the Sci Fi Channel, the FX Series Sons of Anarchy, Fringe and The Hunger Games. She currently plays Abby Donovan, in the Showtime series Ray Donovan.
Her role as Mrs Everdeen in The highly acclaimed hunger games pushed her to the fore front of the industry. The fast rising actress who hardly looks to have aged a day despite her age, Paula Malcomson is single and owns an apartment in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Gary Lightbody
Born on 15 June 1976, Gary lightbody is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the alternative rock band, Snow Patrol. The multi-talented Lightbody is also an instrumentalist and songwriter. Born in Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland, Lightbody left his Northern Ireland home for Scotland to study English in University of Dundee.
Gary Lightbody started off his music career while in the University of Dundee by setting up the band ‘Shrug’ with a friend. They later had to drop the band name as another band was already using the same name. He later established the legendary rock band, Snow Patrol. His songwriting skills have seen him write songs for well-known hit tracks, both for his band, Snow Patrol and for other musicians.
A singer and songwriter, Lightbody is an ardent football fan, known for supporting the Republic of Ireland national team.
Lightbody considers himself a failure with women, having been involved in many failed relationships. He cites his inability to reside in or stay in a place for long periods as probably the reason for these failures. He is widely acclaimed for his songwriting and his work with Snow Patrol.
Sinead O’Connor
Sinead O’Connor is an Irish legend in the Music industry. The hugely talented and controversial Irish singer is widely known for her hit song ‘nothing compares to you’. Sinead O’Connor was born on December 8, 1966 in Dublin, Ireland. Born Sinéad Marie-Bernadette O’Connor, O’Connor has become well known for her signature shaved head. She is well known for her infamous tearing up the picture of the pope on an interview on Saturday Night Live.
Sinead O’Connor has successfully carved out a niche for herself in the highly competitive industry. The Irish singer has churned out many hit tracks, with her success solely attributed to her talents alone.
Sinead O’Connor got married to Barry Herridge in 2011. The 49 year old mother of one recently cancelled her shows in other to care for her son.
Although her outspokenness and resulting controversy has trailed most of her career, she has received widespread acclaim and recognition for her hit tracks, Nothing, Molly Malone and Take Me to Church among others.
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