Do you know all of these iconic Irish stars?
As a general rule, the Irish go above and beyond regarding talent. We have a lot of talented celebrities who have reached cult status at home and abroad over the years.
Here are some of the most famous Irish people right now. Do you agree with these rankings?
10. Nadine Coyle – best known for her popstar career
Nadine Coyle gained cult status for her stint on the Irish talent show Popstars in 2001. Her passport blunder remains a popular Irish meme to this very day.
However, she went on to join Girls Aloud the following year, and the rest is history. She remains a prevalent solo artist today.
9. Enoch Burke – a committed man
Enoch Burke is a school teacher who has been all over the media recently for refusing to accept his fate.
He has quickly gained cult status, with many card companies dedicating Valentine’s and Mother’s Day cards to him. We expect his media attention to remain a viral sensation for years to come.
8. Nicola Coughlan – forever our Derry girl
Nicola Coughlan won the Rising Star Award at the IFTAs in 2021, and we’re not surprised. This actress succeeded wildly as the “wee lesbian” Clare Devlin in Derry Girls before breaking through as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton. Read our article on the top 10 facts about Nicola Coughlan that you never knew.
7. Vogue Williams – an iconic media personality
Vogue Williams has been a media star for years now. Starting as a regular on the 2010 series Fade Street, Vogue is now a popular TV host in the UK and has a popular podcast called ‘My Therapist Ghosted Me’ with famous Irish comedian Joanne McNally.
6. Brendan Gleeson – a well-known Irish actor
Brendan Gleeson is no stranger to the spotlight. As an actor, he has gone from strength to strength throughout his career.
It was his recent role in The Banshees of Inisherin, however, which gained him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at The 95th Academy Awards.
5. Becky Lynch – one of the top professional female wrestlers
Any wrestling entertainment fans will instantly know Becky “The Man” Lynch. Known as Rebecca Quin in her homeland of Limerick, Becky Lynch is one of the highest-paid professional wrestlers in the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment).
While she may be lesser known as a household name at home, she is one of the most recognisable faces in professional wrestling, making her one of the most famous Irish people.
4. Colin Farrell – one of the most famous Irish people right now
Colin Farrell is one of the most notable Irish actors in modern times. His recent role as Pádraic Súilleabháin in The Banshees of Inisherin received critical acclaim, winning him multiple awards and nominations, including one for Best Actor in The 95th Academy Awards.
3. Kellie Harrington – Irish Olympic gold medalist
Kellie Harrington is one of the most famous Irish people right now. The 33-year-old Dublin woman won the gold medal for Ireland for boxing in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. She’s one of the most notable female role models of current times.
2. Paul Mescal – one of the best Irish actors in recent years
Paul Mescal burst onto our screens in his television debut with Normal People in 2020. Predominantly a theatre actor, his role as Conall in the iconic miniseries skyrocketed his career.
He was recently nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor in Aftersun, and he won the prestigious Olivier Award for his 2022 theatrical role as Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire. He is a multi-talented performer, and his future is bright.
1. Barry Keoghan – one of the most famous Irish actors today
Barry Keoghan’s story is simply amazing. Having spent seven years being moved around foster homes, he eventually found life in acting, where he is now one of the most recognisable Irish talents.
He has had significant roles over the years, from Martin in The Killing of a Sacred Deer to Dominic Kearney in The Banshees of Inisherin.
His role as Dominic Kearney won him a BAFTA for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Academy Awards.
Not too bad for a Dubliner barred for sneaking in to watch films in Cineworld in his youth. We can’t wait to see what the next few years hold for Keoghan.
