25 Most Famous Irish People

Ireland might be a small country, but it produces talents who are known all around the world. There are dozens of individuals born in Ireland who are household names.

If you’re interested in learning more about the most famous Irish people, you’ve come to the right place. Sit down and get ready to learn more about some of the most prominent Irish people of all time.

1. Bono

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First on our list of the most famous Irish people is Bono, singer-songwriter, activist, and philanthropist. He was born in Dublin and went on to create a successful career as the lead singer of U2.

2. Sinead O’Connor

sinead o connor on stage singing into a microphone — WARSAW – MAY 31: Irish singer Sinead O’Connor during the City Culture Zone festival. Square in front of the Palace of Culture and Science. May 31, 2008 in Warsaw, Poland. Image from Shutterstock.

Sinead O’Connor was a singer, songwriter, and activist known for taking firm stances on what she believes, such as in the famous SNL incident where she tore up a picture of Pope Saint John Paul II. O’Connor was born in Dublin and achieved international success for her talent and activism.

3. Graham Norton

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Irish comedian Graham Norton was born in Clondalkin, Ireland, and remained there until he began to host The Graham Norton Show. He’s made a name for himself as a talk show host, author, comedian, and actor.

4. Saoirse Ronan

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Oscar-winner Saoirse Ronan began her life in New York, but she was born to an Irish family and has held on to the famous Irish accent. The talented actress has had a decade of incredible performances in movies like Lady Bird and Little Women.

5. Oscar Wilde

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Next on our list of the most famous Irish people is the well-known author Oscar Wilde. The icon was born in Dublin and produced famed works like The Picture of Dorian Gray.

6. C.S. Lewis

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C.S. Lewis is one of the most well-known Christian apologists, known for his work in England and beyond. However, he’s actually an Irishman in background. Lewis is known for famous works like The Chronicles of Narnia and Mere Christianity.

7. Liam Neeson

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Liam Neeson is an actor with roots in Northern Ireland, though he spent most of his life growing up in the United Kingdom and in the United States. He’s received many accolades for his iconic work, from the well-known Taken series to the heart-wrenching Schindler’s List.

8. Pierce Brosnan

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Pierce Brosnan was born in the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Ireland, known for his life as a stylish film actor and producer. Brosnan was one of many exciting men to take on the role of James Bond, and he’s also appeared in movies like Mamma Mia, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Black Adam.

9. Michael Fassbender

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Next on our list of the most famous Irish people is Michael Fassbender, actor extraordinaire, born in Germany to Irish and German parents. He’s been in movies like Assassin’s Creed and X-Men, even appearing on The Irish Times’s list of the best Irish actors.

10. Maureen O’Hara

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Maureen O’Hara was an Irish actress who was born in Dublin and worked her way into her earlier years in Hollywood. She appeared on screen in films like Miracle on 34th Street, Rio Grande, The Quiet Man, and more, solidifying her spot in the ranks of Hollywood and Irish legends.

11. Ruth Negga

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Ruth Negga is an Ethiopian-Irish actress who appeared on the scene rather recently, taking the big screen by storm with roles in Loving and Ad Astra. She’s already received several nominations for her impressive work and will likely continue to do so in the coming years.

12. Conor McGregor

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Conor McGregor is a professional mixed martial artist from Crumlin in Dublin, Ireland. He’s one of the best fighters in the world as the former featherweight and lightweight Ultimate Fighting Champion and the first to hold a win in both of these categories.

13. Cillian Murphy

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Next on our list of the most famous Irish people is Cillian Murphy, an Irish actor who recently appeared in the intense Oppenheimer. He’s been on the scene since 1996, landing roles in successful films and TV shows and making a name for himself in Hollywood.

14. Saoirse-Monica Jackson

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Saoirse-Monica Jackson got her big claim to fame when she starred in the show Derry Girls on Netflix. The Northern Irish actress is a powerhouse, and fans around the world have little trouble recognizing her.

15. Enya

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Enya is an iconic Irish singer, songwriter, and musician born in 1961 in Gweedore, Ireland. She’s known for her modern take on Celtic music, becoming the second-best Irish performer to sell music behind the Bono-led U2.

16. Jamie Dornan

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Jamis Dornan is an Irish actor, model, and musician who skyrocketed to fame when he took the lead role in the Fifty Shades of Grey series. He’s been nominated for several awards and even appeared on The Irish Times list of best actors.

17. Adrian Dunbar

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Next on our list of the most famous Irish people is Adrian Dunbar, an Irish actor, director, and singer. He’s known around the world for his exceptional work in the theater and movies, writing and starring in the film Hear My Song in 1991.

18. W. B. Yeats

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Not only was W.B. Yeats a senator of the free state during his life, but he was also an author, poet, and dramatist. Yeats was a massive part of the Irish Literary Revival and helped bring the Abbey Theatre to life.

19. Niall Horan

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Niall Horan got his big start when he emerged from the X Factor as a member of the boy band One Direction. He and the other members of the band produced several years of popular music before they all parted ways, and Horan began his solo career.

20. Brendan Gleeson

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Brendan Gleeson is an actor of Irish descent, hailing from Dublin. His astounding ability to act has landed him roles in movies like Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Braveheart, Gangs of New York, Banshees of Inisherin, and more.

21. Hozier

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Next on our list of the most famous Irish people is singer Hozier, hailing from Bray, Ireland. The artist draws religious and literary themes into a unique folk and soul combination.

22. Van Morrison

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Van Morrison is an Irish singer, musician, and songwriter with an impressive career spanning seven decades. He’s from Northern Ireland, but his popular hits like “Brown-Eyed Girl” and “Moondance” have made him a household name.

23. Christy Moore

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Christy Moore is a popular Irish folk songwriter, singer, and guitarist, hailing all the way from Newbridge, Ireland. He’s had significant success as a recording artist, including founding the band Planxty and the Moving Hearts and releasing the album Paddy on the Road with Dominic Behan.

24. Kenneth Branaugh

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Although he spent most of his life in England, the well-known talent Kenneth Branaugh was born in Belfast, Ireland. He’s a director, actor, and writer known for creating some of the best film adaptations of Shakespearean plays today.

25. Luke Kelly

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Last up on our list of the most famous Irish people is Luke Kelly, an Irish singer and actor from Dublin, Ireland. He was known for his folk music and played a role in the folk music revival of his time in Ireland, landing him a permanent spot in Ireland’s famous occupants.

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