Irish faces, old and new, have inspired us all. These ten have become our favourite Irish people of the past decade.
There are some new Irish faces on the block that instantly became popular in Ireland and around the world, whether they’re from the world of TV and film, podcasts, TikTok, or more.
However, there are also some age-old Irish people who have been our favourites from decades ago until the most recent ten years! Let’s take a look at our top ten favourite Irish people of the decade.
- Irish faces, old and new, have inspired us all. These ten have become our favourite Irish people of the past decade.
- 10. Sally Rooney – one of the best Irish authors of the last decade
- 9. Vogue Williams – from the hit podcast My Therapist Ghosted Me
- 8. Danielle Walsh – “Let me show ya what we’re drinkin’!”
- 7. Hozier – an LGBTQ+ ally
- 6. Sinead O’Connor – a timeless icon
- 5. Joanne McNally – one of our favourite Irish people of the last ten years
- 4. The Two Johnnies – hello, hello, hello
- 3. Cillian Murphy – a firm favourite around the world
- 2. Barry Keoghan – one of the best Irish actors of the decade
- 1. Paul Mescal – an all-rounder
10. Sally Rooney – one of the best Irish authors of the last decade
In 2018, Irish author Sally Rooney brought us a story that would go on to be adapted into a series in 2020, quickly becoming one of the most popular television series of its time.
With the success of Normal People, starring Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar Jones, on the small screen, her 2017 novel Conversations with Friends also went on to become a series.
9. Vogue Williams – from the hit podcast My Therapist Ghosted Me
Vogue Williams has become one of our favourite Irish people of the decade as one half of the My Therapist Ghosted Me podcast.
In recent years, the award-winning podcast has gone on a sold-out tour of Ireland and the UK, delighting thousands of fans with their hilarious honesty.
8. Danielle Walsh – “Let me show ya what we’re drinkin’!”
Danielle Walsh is a hilarious TikTokker from Belfast who shocked the world with her heavy pours when making her pre-drinks for a night out.
Her videos are adored and parodied by people all over the world who love her accent and her crazy tolerance for alcohol!
7. Hozier – an LGBTQ+ ally
Hozier’s first hit ‘Take Me To Church’ came out in 2013. However, it has been in the last couple of years that the 6 ft 5 singer has captured the hearts of Irish people once more.
In particular, he is an absolute hit with lesbians. He has long been an LGBTQ+ ally, as ‘Take Me To Church’ is an anti-homophobia song that puts a microscope on the church and its attitudes towards homosexuality.
Plus, his music is heart-wrenching, emotive, and simply beautiful. He is certainly one of the best Irish singers of all time.
6. Sinead O’Connor – a timeless icon
Sinead O’Connor is one of the most iconic Irish people of all time.
She sadly passed away in July 2023, but that only exacerbated her status as one of the top ten favourite Irish people of the decade as people reminisced about her one-of-a-kind tunes, her brave political stance, and some of the most outrageous things she has said in the past.
5. Joanne McNally – one of our favourite Irish people of the last ten years
Making up the other half of the My Therapist Ghosted Me podcast is Joanne McNally. The podcast came about thanks to Joanne, when her therapist did just that: ignored her calls and refused to answer the door until she eventually tracked him down.
Together with Vogue Williams, the pair give honest and hilarious advice on a range of issues they and many others continue to grapple with.
4. The Two Johnnies – hello, hello, hello
It might be unfair to lump both Johnny B and Johnny Smacks into one entry, but you don’t get one without the other.
The podcast started back in 2018, and since then people all over the world love to tune in and listen to the outrageous listener queries and stories and a host of entertaining guests the pair bring on the show each week.
We can’t talk about the Two Johnnies without giving a nod to Maura and Neil, too!
3. Cillian Murphy – a firm favourite around the world
Cillian Murphy has been an Irish favourite for well over a decade, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve a place on our list.
People love Cillian Murphy for his blase, chilled, no-nonsense demeanour and his incredible acting talent.
2. Barry Keoghan – one of the best Irish actors of the decade
Barry Keoghan first graced our screens more than a decade ago with a small role in the hit Irish series Love/Hate.
However, it has been in the last two or three years that he has really made an impact in the world of TV and film. It was perhaps his Oscar-nominated role in The Banshees of Inisherin that made people wake up and realise his talent.
Since then, he has appeared in several highly rated and anticipated films and has become somewhat of a heartthrob in Ireland and beyond.
1. Paul Mescal – an all-rounder
Taking the top spot on our list of ten favourite Irish people of the decade is Paul Mescal, the most famous Irish celebrity today. He made everyone’s Covid lockdown experience ten times more enjoyable when Normal People graced our screens in 2020.
Paul Mescal has gone on to become an Oscar-nominated actor for his heart-breaking performance in Aftersun and many other roles.
He instantly became perhaps the biggest Irish heartthrob of the decade. Better still, he comes across as a real down-to-earth, lovely guy in interviews and public appearances. We love Paul Mescal!
