lreland has produced more than its fair share of iconic personalities. They have left an indelible mark on various spheres, including entertainment and sports. You might already know these names, perhaps through your parents or some of your favourite shows, but didn't realise they were Irish. This article gives some background and puts a story to these iconic names.
Here's a snapshot of the most famous Irish people that we'll discover in more detail throughout the article:
| Category | Name | Why They’re Famous |
|---|---|---|
| Icons | Bono | U2 frontman, global activist, cultural symbol of Irish music |
| Icons | Seamus Heaney | Nobel Prize-winning poet, symbol of Irish literature |
| Icons | Mary Robinson | First female President of Ireland, UN human rights leader |
| Screen Veterans | Liam Neeson | Veteran actor (Schindler’s List, Taken) |
| Screen Veterans | Pierce Brosnan | Former James Bond, decades-long Hollywood career |
| Screen Veterans | Brendan Gleeson | Acclaimed actor (In Bruges, The Banshees of Inisherin) |
| Veteran Broadcaster | Graham Norton | Seasoned TV host in The Graham Norton Show |
| Sports | Katie Taylor | Olympic gold medalist, undisputed boxing champion |
| Sports | Conor McGregor | Former UFC champion, global MMA superstar |
| Sports | Roy Keane | Legendary footballer, ex-Man United captain |
| Singers | Enya | Ethereal singer, one of the world’s best-selling artists |
| Singers | Damien Rice | Influential singer-songwriter (The Blower’s Daughter) |
| Singers | Niall Horan | Former One Direction member, successful solo artist |
| Writers | Sally Rooney | Novelist (Normal People), global millennial voice |
| Writers | Maggie O’Farrell | Award-winning novelist (Hamnet, The Marriage Portrait) |
| Actors | Cillian Murphy | Oscar-winning actor (Oppenheimer, Peaky Blinders) |
| Actors | Saoirse Ronan | Four-time Oscar nominee (Brooklyn, Lady Bird) |
| Rising Talents | Barry Keoghan | Actor (Saltburn, Banshees of Inisherin), fast-rising star |
| Rising Talents | Paul Mescal | BAFTA & Oscar-nominated actor (Normal People, Aftersun) |
| Rising Talents | Jessie Buckley | Talented actress and singer (The Lost Daughter, Cabaret) |
👨🎤 Bono
Bono's real name is Paul David Hewson, and he is a native of Dublin. He achieved global recognition as the vocalist and main songwriter for the legendary Irish rock band U2 since 1976.
The band with the most Grammy wins
15 studio albums
Additionally, Bono is known for using his platform as a singer to raise awareness and effect change on issues like poverty and AIDS, even co-founding several organisations such as DATA (Debt, Aid, Trade, Africa), the ONE Campaign, and EDUN.
✍️ Seamus Heaney
Born in Tamniaran, Northern Ireland, Seamus Heaney began composing verses while studying at university. GCSE students would probably recognise his name and poem 'Storm on the Island' in an instant, where it reflects the political turmoil Ireland was going through at the time of writing. That poem was featured in his first published work, 'Death of a Naturalist'.
He would publish 18 poetry collections and several prose collections over the course of his career. Still, it was his early work that won him the most praise, culminating in the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1995. Awards aside, Mr Heaney deserves his place among Ireland's most famous writers.
Hope is not optimism, which expects things to turn out well, but something rooted in the conviction that there is good worth working for.
Seamus Heanley
🏛️ May Robinson
Mary Robinson hails from County Mayo, the daughter of two doctors, in a house full of brothers. As one of Ireland's most famous politicians, she spent her entire career in politics, first in Seanad Éireann, and then cast herself as a presidential candidate.
Her 23-year Senate career ended when she claimed the presidency, an office she held for 7 years. After her term as Ireland's leader, she worked on humanitarian causes, including a 5-year stint as High Commissioner for Human Rights.
✅Robinson was (among the) first women to study law at Trinity College Dublin (graduating with first-class honours)
✅Ireland's first female president
✅The first Irish president to visit Queen Elizabeth II
🎭 Liam Neeson
Liam Neeson embodies everything it means to be Irish. He had strong theatre acting roots, working in theatres in Belfast and Dublin. His career took a huge turn in the 90s, where he starred in Schindler's List, Rob Roy, and as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars.
Younger movie fans can agree that it was his role in the Taken Franchise that made him the ultimate screen legend, with his new take on action films. His distinctive voice, paired with his strong delivery, also made him a sought-after voice actor. You might have recognised his iconic voice in Narnia and The Lego Movie.
🎭 Pierce Brosnan
Few countries can claim a James Bond for their own, but Ireland can cross the role off their checklist. Pierce Brosnan, who played the English spy, is Irish. He was born in Drogheda and grew up in County Meath near Navan, northwest of Dublin, in Ireland. Brosnan trained in commercial illustration before transitioning into acting in London. He remains an avid painter today.
Before playing this iconic English character in 1995, he gained fame in the US as the suave detective, Remington Steele. He continued to have a successful post-Bond career, where he transitioned into a mixture of film genres, even starring in a musical alongside Meryl Streep and Colin Firth!
🎭 Brendan Gleeson
Did you know that Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody (Harry Potter) is Irish? Fittingly, this famous Irish actor fills that role. Born in Dublin, Brendan Gleeson became interested in acting from a young age. He majored in both Irish and English at university and even became a secondary school teacher before pursuing acting completely. After several years on stage, he made his way to the big screen.
He landed his first big role alongside Mel Gibson, as William Wallace’s right-hand man in Braveheart. Thanks to this success, Brendan Gleeson was included in filming for Hollywood blockbusters like Mission Impossible 2 and Gangs of New York.
Two of Brendan Gleeson's sons are also actors. Domhnall Gleeson acted as Tim Lake in About Time, while Brian Gleeson starred as Jimmy McCavern in Peaky Blinders.
📺 Graham Norton
If you are a fan of talk shows, you would certainly know who Graham Norton is. Known for his wit and fantastic hosting skills, he was also known as a comedian and renowned Irish actor, especially in his funny antics as Father Noel in the sitcom Father Ted during the mid-90s. He later ventured into full-time hosting with the BBC.
Norton began his own exclusive chat show, The Graham Norton Show, in 2007, which remains a hit today, showcasing his interview skills that draw out entertaining stories and anecdotes from A-list celebrities.
🥊Katie Taylor
At just 15 years old, Taylor made history by participating in the first officially sanctioned female boxing match in Ireland. She defeated Alanna Audley (from Belfast) at the National Stadium. This marked the beginning of her remarkable journey in the sport.
She has certainly come a long way since her humble beginnings at St Fergal's Boxing Club. From a former boathouse in Bray to the biggest stage on the planet! Taylor would be a no-brainer to include on any list of legendary Irish women.
2016
Katie turns pro
She was 30 years old
2017
Katie wins the World Boxing Association (WBA) Lightweight title
2018
Katie claims the International Boxing Federation title
Becomes the Unified Champion in her division
2022
Katie becomes the Undisputed Lightweight title-holder
By defeating Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden
2023
Katie breaks her 'undefeated' streak
Chantelle Cameron handed her her only loss
2024
Katie faces a rematch with Amanda Serrano
Serrano lost again.
2025
The trilogy Taylor-Serrano match
Katie emerged victorious
🥊 Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor captured the interest of the Irish and UFC fans around the world for his impressive results in the octagon and his alluring stage presence.
His journey began back in 2008, when he started his training at the well-known Straight Blast Gym (SBG) in Dublin. McGregor's career peak came in 2016 when the Irishman became a world champion in two weight divisions. He defeated Eddie Alvarez to claim the UFC Lightweight title, a feat no other fighter in the history of the sport had accomplished.
⚽Roy Keane
A Cork native, Keane is known for his aggressive playing style as a midfielder and also his leadership roles, as captain for both Manchester United and the Republic of Ireland. Throughout his 12 years at Manchester United, he was part of the Premier League-winning team 7 times, dominating the 90s and early 2000s. After leaving Manchester United, he played for Celtic, winning the Scottish Premier League and Scottish League Cup before retiring in 2006. Keane was later inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2021.
Aggression is what I do. I go to war. You don't contest football matches in a reasonable state of mind.
Roy Keane
👩🎤Enya
Born Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin in 1961 in County Donegal, Enya is currently the 13th best-selling female artist of all time. She has a distinctly beautiful voice and is known for her layered vocals with elements of Celtic music and ethereal arrangements.
Many music fans may not know that Enya began her singing career with her family band, Clannad, before launching her own solo career. Her 1988 album, Watermark, brought her international acclaim, especially with the release of her most famous song, "Orinoco Flow." Known for her amazing composing skills, Enya also wrote and produced two songs for the soundtrack of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001). One of which was " May It Be", which was nominated for Best Original Song for the 74th Academy Awards.
👨🎤Damien Rice
If you love intimate acoustic music with a hint of folk influences, you would certainly love the music of Damien Rice. Rice is best known for his finger-picking guitar style with emotional, raw vocals, as well as philosophical lyrics.
His career breakthrough came as a surprise, as he largely recorded his album titled O in a home studio with an eight-track cassette recorder. This album went on to reach triple-platinum in the UK, featuring classics like The Blower's Daughter, Cannonball, and Volcano.
Damien Rice was a farmer in Tuscany for a short while after leaving his band, Juniper, in 1998. He later launched his solo career with his first album, O.
👨🎤 Niall Horan
Born in Mullingar, Niall Horan rose to fame when he became part of the teen boyband sensation, One Direction, through The X Factor in 2010. He often cites another Irish singer, Damien Rice, as his major musical influence growing up.
After One Direction's hiatus in 2016, he launched a successful solo career through a succession of albums and sold-out live shows at iconic venues such as Wembley Stadium and Madison Square Garden.. Recently, he was even part of the judging team of The Voice U.S.
✍️Sally Rooney
Widely recognised as the voice of millennials and modern Irish literature, Rooney is known for her sharp and grounded portrayal of young adulthood through her characters. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, Rooney is also an excellent debater who participated in the European Universities Debating Championships.
All of her published novels have been best-sellers, with Conversations with Friends (2017) and Normal People (2018) being adapted to TV series, where she was also the executive producer.
Rooney secured a publishing deal when an agent read her essay, which detailed her debating experience. Rooney gave the agent a manuscript of her first novel, Conversations with Friends, and the rest is history.
✍️Maggie O' Farell
Maggie O'Farrell is one of the most widely celebrated female Irish authors of all time. She is loved by readers for her signature emotional storytelling through a blend of humane themes and compelling characters. She often tackles complex and difficult topics in her novels, such as sickness, grief, and motherhood.
Many of her books have received many literary awards. One of her recent works, Hamnet won the Women's Prize for Fiction and is set to appear on screen, to be adapted by Academy Award director, Chloé Zhao.
🎭Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy's career skyrocketed after his role in the Irish war drama 'The Wind That Shakes the Barley'. If that title doesn't ring a bell with you, you will know him as Tommy Shelby in the BBC series 'Peaky Blinders'.
And, if that still doesn't trigger any memories, you'll know him as J. Robert Oppenheimer, from Nolan’s film. Cillian earned his first Academy Award and the Oscar for Best Actor for his work. Alongside Liam Neeson, Cillian counts among the top Irish actors.
🎭Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan is undoubtedly one of the most renowned Irish actresses of her generation. She is known for her dynamic female-centric roles and has worked with talented directors over the years, including Joe Wright, John Crowley, and Greta Gerwig.
She secured her first Golden Globe win for her role in Lady Bird and became the second youngest person to receive four Academy Awards nominations for Atonement (2007), Lady Bird (2015), Brooklyn (2017), and Little Women (2019).
I think acting is something that is within you. It's a very natural thing for me. It comes from myself, really.
Saorise Ronan
🎭Barry Keoghan
To the rest of the world, Barry Keoghan seems to have come out of nowhere. Especially after landing enormous roles over the past few years. But, at home, he is a star that the Irish have had their eyes on for quite some time.
As a teenager, he came onto the scene with his role in the Irish crime series “Love Hate”, which garnered attention around the world. Then, in 2022, he made everyone remember him in two iconic roles — Unseen Arkham Prisoner (speculated to be The Joker) in The Batman (2022), and Dominic Kearney in The Banshees of Inisherin, the latter of which made him a BAFTA winner. This Dublin native earns praise for his abilities and commitment to his craft, and is expected to play Ringo Starr in an upcoming Beatles biopic.
🎭Paul Mescal
Paul Mescal is certainly one of the rising stars among today’s Irish actors. He majored in acting at Trinity College Dublin and even secured agents for his acting career before his graduation.
His first television role was a success, where he played Conell Waldron in Normal People (yes, the adaptation of Sally Rooney's novel). He also had success venturing into the big screen, starring in acclaimed movies like The Lost Daughter, Aftersun, and Gladiator II.
Mescal loves performing on stage, with appearances almost every year and bookings scheduled through 2027. He even auditioned as the Phantom from The Phantom of the Opera to gain entry into acting school.
🎭Jessie Buckley
Jessie Buckley certainly comes to mind when we talk about Irish rising stars. Born in Killarney, County Kerry, Buckley is an accomplished actress, musician, and singer. She has a Grade 8 in piano, clarinet and harp, and furthered her studies at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
After graduation, she appeared in several theatre productions and BBC TV series, but it was her role in Wild Rose (2018) as an aspiring country singer which earned her her first BAFTA Best Actress Award nomination. From then on, her career began to take flight, and she went on to star in amazing productions like The Lost Daughter, Cabaret, and Men.
We hope you enjoyed this list of Irish celebrities. If you would love to learn more about Irish historical figures, the language, and culture, feel free to read our Superprof articles or connect with an experienced tutor to embark on a fulfilling learning journey!
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