Hollywood has its own stars, but in recent times, there have been Irish thespians making a notable impact with fresh and compelling performances. It’s not just because of their talent though one cannot deny that it’s because of the charming star quality, the authenticity, and the ability to slide from blockbuster spectacle to subdued indie drama. And given that St. Patrick’s Day is just about the corner, there’s no reason not to celebrate the Emerald Isle’s finest exports.
From Oscar contenders to Netflix sensations, these stars are redefining stardom on a worldwide stage. they’re not only performing but also shaping conversations, pushing boundaries, and bringing a distinctive Irish perspective to global cinema. Whether charming in romantic historical dramas or unsettling in psychological thrillers, they have range by the day. So, if your St. Paddy’s Day looks like a pint, a cozy couch, and a great film, here’s the ultimate film list of Irish stars who are currently making their mark.
1. Barry Keoghan’s Masterclass in Unsettling Roles
Barry Keoghan has built a career playing characters that linger in your mind long after the credits roll. From his creepy spin as Martin in “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” to the sinister Oliver in “Saltburn,” he’s demonstrated that he can make people squirm and pity him in equal amounts. His role in “The Banshees of Inisherin” earned him an Oscar nomination, and his turn as the Joker in “The Batman” for a cameo sent the internet into a frenzy. As witnessed in The Green Knight and “Dunkirk,” Keoghan’s capacity to bring tension even in fleeting appearances makes him one of Ireland’s most insistent on-screen presences.
2. Saoirse Ronan’s Unrelenting Oscar Pursuit
Saoirse Ronan’s career is a masterclass in adaptability. Her first Oscar nomination at 13 for “Atonement,” she’s been nominated for “Brooklyn,” “Lady Bird,” and “Little Women” since. While nominated four times, she has not yet won, but each time her performance is tempered by emotional depth and sharp insight. In 2024, she stunned again in “Blitz” and “The Outrun” proving that she’s far from slowing down. Her acting work has won her the BAFTA, SAG, and Golden Globe awards, making her the most highly regarded actress of her generation.
3. Cillian Murphy’s Award-Sweeping Year
Cillian Murphy’s turn as J. Robert Oppenheimer earned not only awards but swept the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, BAFTAs, and Oscars. In his acceptance speech that he dedicated to “the peacemakers everywhere,” he showed his contemplative reaction to fame. Praised for roles in “Peaky Blinders,” “Inception,” and “The Dark Knight Trilogy,” Murphy brings intensity with subtle charisma, which allows him to be a one-of-a-kind figure in blockbuster and art-house films both.
4. Paul Mescal’s Journey from Sausage Commercials to Gladiator II
Paul Mescal’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Less than six years after he debuted in a regional sausage commercial, he was a household name with “Normal People” and had made a name for himself with “Aftersun.” He played Lucius’s sandals in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” in 2024, playing Lucius in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II. Mescal’s earthy charm evident when he joked that getting together with King Charles was “not on the list of priorities” for an Irishman has made him an accessible but compelling actor.
5. Nicola Coughlan’s Breakout and Activism Roles
Nicola Coughlan isn’t just stealing hearts as Penelope Featherington on “Bridgerton” and Clare on “Derry Girls” she’s using her platform for good. Wearing an #artists4ceasefire pin on press junkets, she has raised over $2 million for the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, explaining, “If I can bring aid organisations… that’s what I want to share out.” Named by Time as a leader of the future, Coughlan’s blend of talent and dedication is one to follow.
6. Liam Neeson’s Gravitas of Legend
With a voice now indelibly associated with “Taken” and a career that ranges from Jedi parts to action movies, Liam Neeson remains a force to be underestimated on cinema screens. Out of Northern Ireland, he has mastered playing stoic heroes who take on the impossible. His enduring popularity stems from the gravitas that he brings to every role, whether in epic adventures or plays on the stage.
7. Fiona Shaw’s Legendary Versatility
Fiona Shaw’s career spans stage and screen with aplomb. From Aunt Petunia in “Harry Potter” to Carolyn in “Killing Eve,” she’s brought performances that are both authoritative and subtle. Born in Cork, Shaw’s career spanning nearly four decades mirrors her versatility and her place among Ireland’s most esteemed acting veterans.
8. Jamie Dornan’s Range Beyond Christian Grey
Jamie Dornan may have found fame as a result of Christian Grey, but his work in “The Fall,” “Belfast,” and “The Tourist” demonstrates he is a highly capable actor. The Belfast-born actor moves effortlessly from drama, to comedy, to action, showing he’s more than just a romantic lead. His more recent roles have solidified his position as one of Ireland’s most versatile stars.
9. Ruth Negga’s Emotional Power
Ruth Negga’s performances in “Loving,” “Passing,” and “Presumed Innocence” showcase her ability to feel deeply and be nuanced. Born in Ethiopia and raised in Ireland, she’s been Oscar-nominated and widely acclaimed for performances that challenge and draw people in.
10. Colin Farrell’s Charm and Depth
Colin Farrell’s career spans from high-octane action like “The Batman” to sensitive, character studies like “The Banshees of Inisherin.” With his rugged jawline and thick Dublin brogue, Farrell’s niceness legend as one of Hollywood’s sweetest stars contributes to his enduring charm.
11. Kerry Condon’s Scene-Stealing Presence
Kerry Condon’s work on “The Banshees of Inisherin” brought her widespread acclaim, but her work on “Better Call Saul,” “Rome,” and as Tony Stark’s AI in the Avengers movies proves she is a talented chameleon. A Tipperary native, Condon shines whether in a tiny, intimate drama or a massive blockbuster.
12. Pierce Brosnan’s Timeless Appeal
Pierce Brosnan, forever linked to his suave roles as James Bond, has mixed and matched action work with more lighthearted fare like “Mamma Mia!” His longevity and ease of reinventing genres make him a constant figure in international cinema.
Ireland’s filmmaking talent is experiencing a golden age, with actors who can sweep awards seasons, top blockbusters, and still manage activism and advocacy. They’re the best proof a small nation can deliver outsized cultural influence, and their films offers the perfect excuse to enjoy a mix of comedy, drama, and action this St. Patrick’s Day and beyond.
