From celebrated inventors and well-known actors to singers, scientists, and scholars, there’s no shortage of famous Irish people who have left their mark on the world.
However, while many Irish celebrities—like those from famous Irish bands such as U2 and The Pogues—are widely recognised, others remain far less known.
Below, you’ll find a mix of Ireland’s greatest minds, innovators, and entertainers—some of whom may surprise you.
The most famous Irish people of all time
Now, while you’ll find plenty of well-known figures from Ireland below, there’s no particular order.
After all, how do you truly measure the impact of artists, inventors, and scholars against one another?
1. Bono
Bono (born May 10, 1960, in Dublin) is an iconic singer-songwriter and U2’s lead vocalist, also known for his philanthropy.
Bono’s powerful lyrics and distinctive vocals helped U2 achieve global fame with some of the more famous Irish songs, like “With or Without You” and “Beautiful Day.”
The band has won a whopping 22 Grammy Awards, making them one of the most awarded groups in history.
Beyond music, Bono is renowned for his activism, particularly in advocating for African debt relief and against AIDS, work that earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
2. Enya
Enya (born May 17, 1961, in Gweedore, Donegal) blends Irish folk, classical, and ambient sounds, achieving global fame with hits like Orinoco Flow and Only Time.
Her album A Day Without Rain was the best-selling new age album of the 2000s in the US, earning her four Grammy wins in the category.
Enya’s ethereal soundscapes have captivated audiences worldwide, making her one of the most famous people from Ireland, with a legacy defined by haunting melodies and global acclaim.
3. Jonathan Swift
Jonathan Swift (born November 30, 1667, in Dublin) was a towering literary figure, best known his sharp satirical works.
An ordained clergyman, Swift served as the Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.
However, he is best known for his cutting satirical writing, particularly “Gulliver’s Travels” (1726) and “A Modest Proposal” (1729).
Swift’s satirical prose, combining wit and indignation, made him one of the most influential Irish authors in the English language, and his works continue to resonate with readers today.
4. Graham Norton
Graham Norton (born April 4, 1963) is arguably one of the most famous Irish people to hit our screens. Despite being frequently associated with West Cork, he was born in Clondalkin in Dublin.
His charm and quick wit have made him a fixture on British and Irish television and his talk show attracts the biggest names in music and film.
Beyond his TV work, Norton has also made significant contributions to radio and literature, further showcasing his versatile talent.
5. Maureen O’Hara
Maureen O’Hara (1920 – 2015) was a celebrated Irish actress, renowned for her fiery red hair and commanding screen presence.
She rose to fame in Jamaica Inn (1939) and delivered iconic performances in How Green Was My Valley (1941) and The Quiet Man (1952).
Her on-screen partnership with John Wayne solidified her as a Hollywood legend. Honored with an Oscar in 2014, her legacy remains a cornerstone of classic cinema.
6. Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy (born May 25, 1976) is one of Ireland’s most celebrated actors, known for his intense performances and striking screen presence.
He began in theatre before breaking through with 28 Days Later (2002), later gaining fame as the Scarecrow in The Dark Knight trilogy and Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders.
His role in Oppenheimer (2023) earned him an Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe for Best Actor.
7. Brendan Gleeson
Brendan Gleeson (born March 29, 1955), known for his versatile performances, is one of the most famous people from Ireland when it comes to the big screen.
He gained international recognition as Ken in In Bruges (2008), earning a Golden Globe nomination, and became widely known as Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody in the Harry Potter series.
From Braveheart (1995) to Mr. Mercedes (2017–2019), his compelling performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
8. Niall Horan
One of the most famous Irish people amongst younger generations is Niall Horan (born September 13th, 1993) rising to fame with One Direction after competing on The X Factor (2010).
Notable for hits like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life,” One Direction became one of the best-selling music acts of all time.
After the band’s hiatus, Horan launched a successful solo career with albums “Flicker” (2017) and “Heartbreak Weather” (2020), cementing his status as a prominent figure in contemporary pop music.
9. Michael Collins
Photos in the Public Domain
Michael Collins (1890 – 1922) is one of the famous Irish icons from history. He was a key figure in Ireland’s fight for independence.
Born in Clonakilty, he became the IRA’s Director of Intelligence during the War of Independence.
He helped negotiate the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921, leading to the Irish Free State but sparking the Civil War.
10. Ernest Shackleton
Ernest Shackleton (1874 – 1922) is one of the most famous people from Ireland, renowned for his Antarctic explorations.
Best known for leading the Endurance expedition (1914–1917), he guided his crew to safety after their ship was crushed by ice, completing an 800-mile open boat journey.
Though he never reached the South Pole, his resilience and leadership under extreme adversity cemented his legacy in exploration history.
11. Sinéad O’Connor
Sinéad O’Connor (1966 – 2023) was an internationally recognised singer-songwriter from Dublin, famed for her haunting rendition of Nothing Compares 2 U, which catapulted her to global stardom.
Her raw, soulful voice and fearless public persona made her one of the most famous people from Ireland
Through her emotive music and passionate activism, she left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.
12. Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell
Another of the most famous Irish people is astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell. Burnell was born on July 15th, 1943, in the town of Lurgan in Northern Ireland.
She gained considerable recognition for her momentous discovery of pulsars, fast-rotating neutron stars that significantly altered our understanding of the universe.
Her ground-breaking work initially overlooked, Bell Burnell’s relentless dedication and resilience paved the way for later recognition, culminating in numerous accolades and an indisputable status as a luminary in her field.
13. Maeve Binchy
Maeve Binchy (1940 – 2012) was an acclaimed novelist and playwright from Dalkey, Dublin, known for her evocative portrayals of Irish life.
Her captivating storytelling, focusing on interpersonal relationships and small Irish towns, resonated worldwide, selling over 40 million copies.
Novels like Circle of Friends and Tara Road stand as enduring testaments to her understanding of human nature. Her relatable characters and engaging narratives have solidified her legacy as one of Ireland’s most cherished authors.
14. Sonia O’Sullivan
Sonia O’Sullivan (1969) is an iconic long-distance runner from Cobh, County Cork, known for her exceptional performance in the 5000 meters.
She won gold at the 1995 World Championships and the 1998 European Championships, followed by a silver medal in the 5000 meters at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
O’Sullivan’s consistent excellence and passion for athletics have cemented her legacy, elevating Ireland’s reputation in international sports.
15. James Joyce
James Joyce (1882 – 1941) is arguably one of the most famous Irish people when it comes to notable writers.
Born in Rathgar (one of the more affluent neighbourhoods in Dublin), his revolutionary narrative techniques and deep exploration of human consciousness reshaped world literature.
His novel Ulysses, with its stream-of-consciousness technique and structure mirroring Homer’s Odyssey, remains a monumental work in modernist literature.
16. Bob Geldof
Bob Geldof (1951) is a prominent musician, philanthropist, and political activist from Dún Laoghaire, Dublin.
He first gained fame as the lead singer of The Boomtown Rats, known for hits like “I Don’t Like Mondays.”
However, he is best remembered for co-writing and organising Do They Know It’s Christmas? and the Live Aid concerts in 1985, raising millions for famine relief in Ethiopia.
His humanitarian work earned him numerous accolades, including an honorary knighthood and a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
17. Saoirse Ronan
Another of the most famous Irish people in recent years is Saoirse Ronan. She was born in New York City to Irish parents and is an accomplished actress, featuring in many international and Irish films.
She rose to fame for her roles in the likes of “Atonement”, “Lady Bird” and the very popular “Brooklyn,” and
Ronan’s ability to portray complex characters have earned her numerous accolades, including several Academy Award nominations. And, as it happens, the name ‘Saoirse’ is one of several Irish girls names I get constant emails about each year.
18. Liam Neeson
Liam Neeson (born 1952) is a Northern Irish actor known for his commanding screen presence and versatility across drama, action, and historical films.
Rising to fame with Schindler’s List (1993), he cemented his status as a leading man with Michael Collins (1996), Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999), and Batman Begins (2005).
He later became an action star with Taken (2008) and its sequels. Beyond film, Neeson has performed on Broadway and voiced characters in The Chronicles of Narnia and Star Wars franchises.
19. Dolores O’Riordan
Dolores O’Riordan (1971 – 2018) was the lead singer of The Cranberries and is one of the most famous Irish icons.
Her unique vocal style and powerful songwriting were key to the band’s international success, with hits like “Zombie” and “Linger” making a lasting impact.
O’Riordan’s musical legacy, along with her distinctive voice, continues to inspire fans worldwide.
20. Rosie Hackett
Rosie Hackett (1892 – 1976) was a trade unionist and social activist from Dublin, known for her pivotal role in the 1913 Dublin Lockout, where she fought for workers’ rights and fair conditions.
Hackett co-founded the Irish Women Workers’ Union and was a key figure in the suffrage movement.
Her contributions to Irish labor history and dedication to social justice have solidified her place as an iconic figure from Irish history.
21. Phil Lynott
Phil Lynott (1949 – 1986) was born in West Bromwich, England, and raised in Dublin. A talented musician and songwriter, he is best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Thin Lizzy.
Lynott’s charismatic stage presence and distinctive lyrical style were integral to the band’s international success.
Tracks like The Boys Are Back in Town and Jailbreak highlight his ability to blend hard rock with compelling storytelling, securing his legacy as one of Ireland’s greatest rock icons.
22. Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon (1909 – 1992) is another of the famous Irish people to be born in Dublin. He became one of the most influential painters of the 20th century.
Renowned for his visceral, emotionally charged imagery, Bacon’s unique style left a lasting mark on the art world.
His triptychs, particularly those depicting the Crucifixion and the screaming Popes, have become iconic symbols of existential angst and the darker sides of the human condition.
23. Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900) is one of the most famous people from Ireland to have ever picked up a pen.
A brilliant writer and poet, Wilde was celebrated for his wit, flamboyant style, and sharp satirical commentary on Victorian society.
His works, including The Importance of Being Earnest and The Picture of Dorian Gray, remain iconic.
Despite facing persecution for his homosexuality, Wilde’s legacy as a literary genius and a symbol of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights endures.
24. Anne Bonny
Anne Bonny, reputedly born around 1700 in County Cork, was a notorious pirate. Known for her fiery temper and fearsome reputation, she defied the gender norms of her era to join Calico Jack Rackham’s pirate crew.
Her adventures, filled with plunder and combat, have captivated the public imagination, making her a fascinating figure in the annals of piracy.
Although her ultimate fate remains a mystery, stories of her audacity and rebellious spirit continue to inspire books, films, and Irish folklore.
25. Bram Stoker
Abraham ‘Bram’ Stoker (1847 – 1912) was a Dublin-born novelist whose lasting fame comes from his Gothic horror masterpiece, Dracula (1897).
Published in 1897, the book introduced the character Count Dracula and established many conventions of subsequent vampire fantasy (not to be confused with the story of the Irish vampire).
The novel, laden with eerie atmosphere and suspense, remains a staple in the horror genre, influencing generations of writers and filmmakers, proving Stoker’s lasting impact on literature and popular culture.
26. Mary Robinson
Mary Robinson (1944) was born in Ballina, County Mayo, and is renowned as a lawyer, politician, and human rights advocate.
She made history as the first female President of Ireland, serving from 1990 to 1997. Robinson is widely recognised for advancing human rights, especially advocating for gender equality and combating climate change.
She later served as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, continuing her impactful work on the global stage.
27. Edna O’Brien
Edna O’Brien (1930 – 2023) was born in Tuamgraney, Clare, and is a renowned Irish novelist known for exploring women’s experiences, particularly in her groundbreaking trilogy The Country Girls.
The trilogy, once banned in Ireland for its candid portrayal of female sexuality and social issues, cemented her place as a crucial voice in Irish literature.
O’Brien’s ability to capture profound human emotions through her prose has earned her numerous accolades and a global readership, making her one of the most famous Irish people to put pen to paper.
28. Becky Lynch
Rebecca Quin (1987) was born in Limerick and is better known by her ring name, Becky Lynch.
A renowned professional wrestler, Lynch has made a significant impact in WWE, becoming one of the highest-paid wrestlers on the roster in recent years.
Her charisma, determination, and athletic prowess have earned her a devoted fan base and made her a role model for aspiring female athletes, cementing her place as one of the most famous people from Ireland in the world of professional wrestling.
29. Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan (1953) was born in County Meath and is an actor and film producer best known for portraying James Bond in GoldenEye and Die Another Day.
His suave demeanour and charismatic portrayal of the iconic spy have solidified his place in cinematic history.
Beyond 007, Brosnan has appeared in numerous successful films and produced projects through his company, Irish DreamTime, making him one of the most famous people from Ireland in Hollywood.
30. Kathleen Lynn
Kathleen Lynn (1874 – 1955) was born in County Mayo and is another of the most famous Irish people in the medical space.
A physician, suffragette, and social activist, Lynn co-founded St. Ultan’s Children’s Hospital in Dublin, dedicating her life to improving healthcare for the underprivileged.
A committed nationalist, she was also involved in the Irish Women’s Suffrage movement and the 1916 Easter Rising, marking her as a trailblazer in both healthcare and activism.
31. Gabriel Byrne
Gabriel Byrne (1950) was born in Dublin and is a renowned actor, producer, and director. He gained international recognition for his roles in The Usual Suspects and Miller’s Crossing, earning critical acclaim and several award nominations.
Byrne also starred in the critically acclaimed TV series In Treatment. Beyond his acting career, he has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, sharing his personal experiences.
His dedication to both his craft and his advocacy has made him one of the most famous Irish celebrities in the acting world.
32. Katie Taylor
Katie Taylor (1986) was born in Bray, County Wicklow, and is an internationally recognised professional boxer.
She’s celebrated for her immense contributions to women’s boxing, with numerous world and Olympic titles, including a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics.
Taylor’s relentless determination and impressive skill have propelled her to the pinnacle of her sport, shattering ceilings and inspiring the next generation of female boxers, making her one of the most famous people from Ireland in the world of sports.
33. Veronica Guerin
Veronica Guerin (1959 – 1996) was born in Dublin and was a fearless investigative journalist known for exposing the criminal activities of organised crime syndicates in Ireland.
Her work, particularly on Dublin’s drug trade, led to threats on her life. Tragically, she was assassinated in 1996, becoming a symbol of courage in the fight against organised crime.
Guerin’s dedication to uncovering the truth sparked a national conversation on crime, leading to significant reforms in Ireland’s criminal justice system.
34. Richard Harris
Richard Harris (1930 – 2002) was born in Limerick and was an accomplished actor and singer.
He gained fame for his powerful performances in films like This Sporting Life and Camelot, earning two Academy Award nominations and numerous accolades.
Harris also portrayed Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films. Beyond acting, he was known for his distinctive baritone voice and released several successful music albums.
35. Peig Sayers
Peig Sayers (1873 – 1958) is one of the famous Irish people in history that many of us who grew up in Ireland learned about in school.
She was born in Dunquin on the Dingle Peninsula, and became a famous traditional Irish storyteller and author. She is best known for her memoir Peig, which documents her life on the remote Blasket Islands.
Through her vivid storytelling, Sayers depicted the island’s hardships and preserved the oral traditions of Ireland, offering valuable insight into the culture and history of the Blasket Islands.
36. Michael Fassbender
Michael Fassbender (1977) was born in Germany to a German father and an Irish mother.
He gained recognition with his role in 300 (2007), but his international acclaim grew after portraying Bobby Sands in Hunger (2008).
Fassbender earned Academy Award nominations for his roles as Steve Jobs in Steve Jobs (2015) and as a slave owner in 12 Years a Slave (2013).
He is also known for playing Magneto in the X-Men series, showcasing his versatile range of memorable characters.
37. Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor (1988), a professional mixed martial artist, is one of the most famous people from Ireland to emerge in the last decade.
His often controversial persona saw him gain considerable fame and fortune in the UFC. Beyond the UFC, McGregor stepped into the boxing ring for a mega-event against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2017.
His athletic accomplishments, combined with his larger-than-life personality, have solidified McGregor as a transformative figure in global combat sports.
38. Daniel Day-Lewis
Daniel Day-Lewis (1957) is one of the most famous people from Ireland to hit the big screen.
Renowned for his method acting, he starred in powerful films like My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007), and Lincoln (2012), each earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
This extraordinary achievement makes him the only male actor to have won three Best Actor Oscars. Day-Lewis, who holds both British and Irish citizenship, announced his retirement from acting in 2017.
39. W B Yeats
W.B. Yeats (1865 – 1939) was born on June 13th in Sandymount, Dublin, and is one of the most famous people from Ireland shape the world of literature with his influential poetry.
A renowned poet and a central figure of 20th-century literature, Yeats was a driving force behind the Irish Literary Revival.
His influential works, including The Lake Isle of Innisfree and Easter, 1916, are celebrated for their mastery of symbolism and evocative imagery. In 1923, he became the first Irish laureate to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
40. Carmel Snow
Carmel Snow (1887 – 1961) was born in Dalkey, Dublin, and is one of the most famous Irish people in the fashion industry.
She is best remembered as the editor-in-chief of the US edition of Harper’s Bazaar from 1934 to 1958.
Under her leadership, the magazine became a celebrated platform for groundbreaking photography, creativity, and design, significantly influencing global fashion trends.
Snow discovered and mentored fashion icons like Diana Vreeland and Richard Avedon, and her forward-thinking vision continues to leave a lasting mark on the world of fashion.
41. Colin Farrell
Colin Farrell (1976) was born in Dublin and he shot to international fame with his performance in the 2002 film Minority Report alongside Tom Cruise.
His portrayal of hitman Ray in In Bruges (2008) earned him a Golden Globe Award.
Farrell showcased his acting versatility further in films like The Lobster (2015), earning him another Golden Globe nomination.
42. George Bernard Shaw
Photos in the Public Domain
George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) was an Irish playwright, critic, and political thinker whose influence spanned literature, theatre, and social activism.
A towering figure in 20th-century drama, he wrote over sixty plays, including Pygmalion, Saint Joan, and Man and Superman, blending sharp wit with social critique.
He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925 and later an Academy Award for the Pygmalion screenplay.
43. Evanna Lynch
Evanna Lynch (1991) was born on August 16th in Termonfeckin, Louth, and is a widely known actress and activist.
She is best known for portraying Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter film series. Beyond acting, Lynch is a passionate advocate for animal rights and co-hosts the podcast The ChickPeeps.
Her work both on and off screen has made her one of the most famous people from Ireland in recent years.
44. Seamus Heaney
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Seamus Heaney (1939–2013) was one of Ireland’s most celebrated poets, known for his vivid depictions of rural life and deep explorations of history and identity.
His first major collection, Death of a Naturalist (1966), set the stage for a career that earned him the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literature. Works like North, Field Work, and his translation of Beowulf cemented his legacy as a master of language and storytelling.
Beyond poetry, he was a professor at Harvard and Oxford and a towering figure in Irish literature. His final words, Noli timere—”Do not be afraid”—reflect the enduring wisdom found in his work.
45. Colm Meaney
Colm Meaney (1953) was born on May 30th in Dublin and is one of Ireland’s most prolific actors.
He’s best known for playing Miles O’Brien in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, appearing in more Star Trek episodes than almost any other actor.
Beyond sci-fi, he starred in The Snapper, The Van, and The Journey, earning an IFTA for his portrayal of Martin McGuinness.
Meaney’s career spans films like Layer Cake and The Damned United, as well as TV roles in Hell on Wheels and Gangs of London.
46. Barry Keoghan
Barry Keoghan (1992) was born on October 18th in Dublin and is a critically acclaimed actor who has made waves in Hollywood.
He gained recognition for his role in Dunkir, later earning award nominations for The Banshees of Inisherin and Saltburn.
Beyond acting, Keoghan is a brand ambassador for Dior and Barretstown and has been vocal about his experience in foster care.
What made the Irish celebrities above famous
Now that you’ve had your fill of famous Irish people, it’s time to see some of the works they’re famous for.
Hop into my guide to the best Irish movies, Irish bands, Irish TV shows and Irish songs for more! Oh, or discover the things that Ireland is famous for!
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.