An Irish accent can be hard to do, and these are some examples of the strongest Irish accents we’ve ever heard on film.
Irish people tend to cringe when they hear someone trying to affect the Irish accent, particularly if they are trying a little too hard. Still, while some can be strong and embarrassing, others are relatively accurate.
Over the years, many have taken on roles as Irish characters, and with that comes the challenge of nailing not only the accent but also the dialect in some cases. Some have done well in their efforts, while some have simply failed.
There are a few specific Irish films which will go down in history as utterly cringe-worthy, and some that we are more than happy to watch over and over again, but if there is one thing that stands out among all of these Irish films, it’s the attempted Irish accents.
With that in mind, let’s remind you of the five all-time strongest Irish accents on film.
5. Tom Cruise in Far & Away – one of the strongest Irish accents ever on film
One of the strongest Irish accents ever on film has to be Tom Cruise’s in the 1992 movie Far & Away. Those who have seen it will likely cringe when thinking back to his role in the film, in which he and Nicole Kidman set off to America seeking fortune.
Speaking of Nicole Kidman, we must admit that hers was also one of the strongest Irish accents on the big screen.
4. Matthew Goode in Leap Year – a bad accent to match an even worse movie
Matthew Goode is a British actor who played the role of a barman from the sticks who gets caught up with an American visitor who aims to propose to her boyfriend.
The entire rom-com had us holding our heads in our hands and gritting our teeth, especially with the cringeworthy one-liners and questionable Irish accent. God loves a trier!
If there is one thing worse than the strong but terrible Irish accent, it’s the atrocious depiction of Ireland as an old-fashioned country, where we still use telephone boxes and drive our tractors to the shops.
If you liked the movie, you may enjoy this article on the top 5 filming locations from Leap Year set in Ireland.
3. Brad Pitt in Snatch – a hilarious portrayal
In this 2000 film directed by Guy Richie, Brad Pitt has us in stitches at his attempt at portraying Mickey O’Neil, the Irish Traveller boxer. Believe it or not, Pitt got his inspiration from a Father Ted character the night before he was due on set.
The accent, one of the strongest Irish accents ever on film, is hard to understand, yet right on the money, which makes his role in Snatch hilariously fantastic. But it almost didn’t happen since he panicked before filming and questioned his abilities to get it right.
2. Gerard Butler in PS I Love You – one of the most cringeworthy Irish accents
Gerard Butler, originally from Scotland, attempted an Irish accent in his performance in PS I Love You, opposite Hilary Swank. Still, while it was undoubtedly one of the strongest Irish accents ever on film, we couldn’t help but hear the Scottish twang come through.
Now, while the film’s sentiment was rather heartwarming, the same can’t be said for the dubious Irish accent, which we admit could have done with a little more practice. Sorry, Gerard!
1. Anjelica Huston in Agnes Browne – one of the best Irish accents ever
If there is one classic, hilarious, and downright authentic Irish accent on film, it has to be Anjelica Huston’s portrayal of Agnes Browne. While many overplay the Irish accent, this is a perfect example of getting it right, so much so that you would never imagine she hailed from California.
Not only did she star in the famous Irish rom-com, which was based on the book The Mammy by Brendan O’Carroll, but she also directed and produced the film.
So, while there are plenty of Irish-themed movies and characters who have attempted various Irish accents and dialects over the years, we have to admit that these have to be the five all-time strongest Irish accents ever on film. Would you agree?
NEXT: Have a read of this article on the top 10 non-Irish actors who have done a perfect Irish accent
