There’s something in the water in Ireland. For such a small country, they’re producing massive talent.
Heartthrobs and rising stars alike from the Emerald Isle are proving that acting isn’t just for LA influencer-turned-actors and London drama school grads. With some of the best performances in recent memory owing back to Ireland, it’s time we gave the gorgeous island its flowers.
When you think of Irish actors, you might jump straight to the heavy hitters — the legends who have dominated Hollywood for years. Ireland has been the birthplace of incredible actors for decades. From the chameleon-like intensity of Daniel Day-Lewis to the sauve and sexy screen presence of Pierce Brosnan (except that time they made him sing in Mamma Mia), Irish performers have been leaving their mark on the industry for decades. Since Daniel Day-Lewis and Brenda Fricker’s Oscar-winning performances in My Left Foot (1989), which stands as one of the greatest dramas of all time, we’ve seen landmark showings from the likes of Gabriel Byrne, Fiona Shaw, and Domhnall Gleeson that define what it means to bring emotional depth to the screen.
But in 2025, a new wave of Irish talent is stepping into the spotlight: They’re talented, they’re trailblazers, and they’re really hot.
Ireland’s Rising Talent
The fresh wave of Irish talent is bringing in Irish perspectives — changing the dramaturgical landscape into something with more depth. Think Banshees of Inisherin or Small Things Like These. With globally recognized Irish talent to anchor them, Irish writers are also having a moment. This synergy between Irish talent and Irish stories is coming at the perfect time. After years of big-budget superhero flicks and flashy CGI spectacles dominating the box office, I’ve been craving something with grit — performances that feel grounded, raw, and emotionally charged.
And right now, Ireland’s rising stars are giving us exactly that. They’re pushing boundaries in film and TV, blending naturalistic performances with bold, risk-taking choices. Much like the revival of Ireland’s music scene, Irish actors are shaking up traditional acting conventions — turning understated roles into unforgettable moments and cracking us up with charisma on the red carpet.
More recently, Paul Mescal exploded onto the scene with his brooding performance in Normal People to a surprisingly vulnerable take on Gladiator II, catapulting himself to global stardom. Barry Keoghan cemented himself as one of Hollywood’s most daring actors with unforgettable performances in The Banshees of Inisherin and Saltburn, while Cillian Murphy’s recent Oscar win for Oppenheimer changed the game.
But the next generation of Irish stars isn’t just following in the footsteps of the Oscar winners before them — they’re carving out their own space with bold performances, boundary-pushing roles, and undeniable magnetism. Think: Paul Mescal on the red carpet, snubbing the King. Or Nicola Coughlan making everyone fall in love with her in interviews.
For a country as small as Ireland, it has an uncanny ability to produce talent that resonates globally. Irish performers have a unique knack for getting under your skin, from brooding method actors to charismatic scene-stealers.
Whether they’re landing Oscar nominations, lighting up TV screens, or stealing scenes in indie films, these actors define modern cinema and redefine what it means to be an Irish star. Here are the Irish actors at the top of their game and genre.
Alison Oliver
After her breakout role in Conversations with Friends, Alison Oliver has steadily built a reputation for her talent at such a young age. Then, her electric performance of Venetia in Saltburn proved she could go toe-to-toe with talents like Emerland Fennell and Barry Keoghan. In 2026, she’s set to star in an adaptation of Wuthering Heights—time to reread one of the most classic romances ever.
Saoirse Ronan
A household name for over a decade, Saoirse Ronan continues to reign as one of the most versatile actors in the industry. Ronan brings depth and nuance to every role from her Oscar-nominated performances in Lady Bird, Little Women, and Brooklyn to her devastating turn in Ammonite. Ronan’s ability to balance emotional intensity with understated vulnerability continues to make her a standout in Hollywood. Underrated: her recent turn in sci-fi thriller Foe alongside Paul Mescal. No wonder she recently won an IFTA for her lead performance in The Outrun in 2025.
Daryl McCormack
After earning a BAFTA nomination for Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Daryl McCormack has continued to build a career that balances indie credibility with mainstream appeal. He also starred in the Tribeca Film Festival favorite The Lesson, alongside Richard E. Grant. He’s also in the show Bad Sisters, which is one of our favorite Irish TV shows.
Nicola Coughlan
If you thought Nicola Coughlan had peaked with Derry Girls and Bridgerton, think again. Our short queen has a long and inevitably hilarious career ahead of her. Coughlan’s razor-sharp comedic timing has long been her signature, but her role as Penelope Featherington proves she’s just as compelling in deeply emotional, dramatic work.
Barry Keoghan
If anyone has mastered the art of unsettling performances, it’s Barry Keoghan. Known for his chilling roles in The Killing of a Sacred Deer and The Banshees of Inisherin, Keoghan has rapidly become one of the most captivating actors. With his magnetic presence and ability to portray characters teetering on the edge of darkness, Keoghan’s star only continues to rise. Too bad he fumbled Sabrina Carpenter. Regardless, his future is bright.
Paul Mescal
After skyrocketing to fame in Normal People, one of his first roles ever, Paul Mescal has cemented himself as one of his generation’s most exciting Irish actors. His heartbreaking performance in Aftersun earned him an Oscar nomination, and now he’s the star of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, making him a household name. Mescal’s ability to channel quiet intensity with explosive emotional outbursts makes him a standout in indie films and blockbusters. Whether wielding a sword in Ancient Rome or breaking hearts in contemporary dramas, Mescal’s talent is undeniable. He is currently on stage playing Marlon Brando’s role in A Streetcar Named Desire, a real heartthrob role.
Eve Hewson
Daughter of U2’s Bono, Eve Hewson has carved her path in the acting world. After impressing audiences with her performance in Bad Sisters, she’s now turning heads with her role in Flora and Son, a heartfelt dramedy about a mother reconnecting with her son through music. Hewson’s effortless charm and grounded performances quickly establish her as a major talent — one that’s more than capable of stepping out of her famous father’s shadow. Her recent role in The Perfect Couple saw her shine alongside Nicole Kidman.
Andrew Scott
Hot Priest, you will always be famous. Andrew Scott has become one of Ireland’s most beloved actors after his unforgettable performance as the “Hot Priest” in Fleabag. He’s since delivered powerhouse performances in All of Us Strangers alongside Mescal and Ripley, a remake of the classic novel. His complex portrayals of emotionally layered characters have left critics raving. He is just as influential on the stage, evidenced by his performance in Vanya.
Fionn O’Shea
Fionn O’Shea is quickly emerging as one of Ireland’s most exciting young actors, best known for his roles in Dating Amber and Handsome Devil (alongside Nicholas Galitzine and Andrew Scott). In 2025, he’s set to star in ”House of Guinness,” a limited series that promises to be like if Succession was about beer.
Niamh Algar
A powerhouse performer with an impressive range, Niamh Algar has been quietly dominating the indie film circuit. She was awarded Best Actress in a Leading Role for TV Drama at the 2020 IFTA Film & Drama Awards for her performance in The Virtues and has been impressive ever since.
