Ireland is well known for its talent in the realms of literature, film, and music. But who are the most famous Irish celebrities today?
Over the years, the Emerald Isle has produced some of the most famous names in history, from the literary genius of Oscar Wilde and James Joyce to the musical prowess of U2 and the Cranberries.
There is no doubt that names such as these will have an enduring impact, but what about more recent Irish names making the headlines? Join us as we explore the top ten most famous Irish celebrities today.
- Ireland is well known for its talent in the realms of literature, film, and music. But who are the most famous Irish celebrities today?
- 10. Nadine Coyle − the original Derry Girl
- 9. Andrew Scott − Hot Priest has made it big
- 8. Brendan Gleeson − a decorated actor
- 7. Nicola Coughlan − the (not-quite) Derry Girl
- 6. Colin Farrell − an Irish A-lister
- 5. Barry Keoghan− the star of the moment
- 4. Saoirse Ronan − from New York City to County Carlow
- 3. Cillian Murphy − the man who launched 1000 memes
- 2. Sinéad O’Connor − a musical legend
- 1. Paul Mescal − a rising star who keeps rising
10. Nadine Coyle − the original Derry Girl
Nadine Coyle is an Irish singer, songwriter, and model from Derry. She is perhaps best known for being a member of the successful British/Irish girl band Girls Aloud, who are back in the headlines after announcing their fiercely anticipated Reunion Tour.
But Nadine will forever be remembered for her infamous stint on the Irish Popstars when she lied about her age in what has become an iconic scene.
9. Andrew Scott − Hot Priest has made it big
Born in County Dublin, most people will recognise Andrew Scott from his turn as Hot Priest, the romantic lead from season two of Phoebe Waller Bridge’s Fleabag.
Most recently, Scott has been making headlines for his starring role in the upcoming All of Us Strangers. This psychological drama will see him starring alongside fellow Irish actor Paul Mescal.
8. Brendan Gleeson − a decorated actor
A decorated actor from County Dublin, Brendan Gleeson has become known for his roles in Irish-themed films such as Michael Collins and the recent The Banshees of Inisherin.
The latter was well recognised at the Oscars last year, with Gleeson receiving a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The alumnus of University College Dublin remains one of the most famous Irish celebrities today.
7. Nicola Coughlan − the (not-quite) Derry Girl
Galway native Nicola Coughlan has come a long way since her breakthrough role on the hit series Derry Girls.
Aside from doing a pretty convincing Derry accent, Coughlan is also well known for her role in Bridgerton, a series by powerhouse producer Shonda Rhimes.
Coughlan even landed a role in the hit film of the summer, starring alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in Barbie.
6. Colin Farrell − an Irish A-lister
Colin Farrell came to most Irish people’s attention from his stint in Ballykissangel, a drama which ran from 1996 to 2001.
Born in Castleknock in Dublin, Farrell has starred in various blockbusters throughout his career, most recently in the critically acclaimed The Banshees of Inisherin.
Farrell has become one of the most famous Irish celebrities today, with Time magazine naming him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023.
5. Barry Keoghan− the star of the moment
After his birth in Summerhill in Dublin, actor Barry Keoghan didn’t have it easy. Following the death of his mother when he was 12, he spent the following years living in 13 different foster homes.
Despite the challenges he faced, though, Keoghan is on his way to becoming one of the most famous Irish celebrities today, receiving critical acclaim for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin and, most recently, sending the internet into a frenzy in the raunchy Saltburn.
4. Saoirse Ronan − from New York City to County Carlow
Born in New York City to Irish parents, Saoirse Ronan’s parents soon made the decision to move back to the Emerald Isle, specifically to County Carlow.
Flash-forward a few years later, and Ronan has become one of the most well-respected young actors in Hollywood. Ronan has been honoured with five British Academy Film Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and four Academy Award nominations.
3. Cillian Murphy − the man who launched 1000 memes
Cillian Murphy is almost as well known for the memes he has inspired as he is for his films (despite reportedly not knowing what a meme even is).
Despite this, Cork native Cillian Murphy has taken the world by storm with iconic roles in The Wind that Shakes the Barley, TV series Peaky Blinders, and most recently, blockbuster Oppenheimer.
2. Sinéad O’Connor − a musical legend
When Irish legend Sinéad O’Connor passed in July, it was clear how well-respected the singer and activist had been.
Born in Dublin in 1966, O’Connor was open about the struggles she faced throughout her life. She touched the hearts of millions with her powerful voice, most famously in ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’, released in 1990. O’Connor is one of the legends Ireland has sadly lost in the last 10 years.
1. Paul Mescal − a rising star who keeps rising
If you haven’t been living under a rock these past few years, there is no doubt you’ll have come across Maynooth native Paul Mescal.
After setting hearts alight with his portrayal of Connell in the 2020 adaptation of Normal People, Mescal has exploded in popularity and has become one of the most famous Irish celebrities today.
He followed his success in Normal People with his role in Aftersun and will be starring alongside fellow Irishman Andrew Scott in the upcoming All of Us Strangers.
As we can see, Ireland has no shortage of talented stars across the realms of music and film. And Irish people are more than happy to claim them as their own!
