Famous Irish Comedians

Aisling Bea is an accomplished Irish comedian, actress, and screenwriter known for her work in various comedy series and stand-up performances. She gained recognition for creating, writing, and starring in the comedy series "This Way Up" on Channel 4. Bea's talent has been acknowledged with awards such as the So You Think You're Funny award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She is a familiar face on popular comedy panel shows like QI and 8 Out of 10 Cats, showcasing her wit and humor to audiences worldwide.

Dave Allen, an Irish comedian, satirist, and actor, was renowned for his observational comedy that often targeted political hypocrisy and religious authority. His career spanned from the 1960s to the 1990s, with regular television appearances in the UK. The BBC aired his successful show from 1971 to 1986, which was also popular in other European countries, the US, Canada, and Australia. Allen's act featured a relaxed and intimate style, often performed while sitting on a bar stool, sipping ginger ale.

Dylan Moran is a versatile Irish comedian, writer, actor, and artist known for his sharp observational comedy style. He gained widespread recognition for co-writing and starring in the comedy series Black Books and for his collaborations with Simon Pegg in films like Shaun of the Dead and Run Fatboy Run. Moran has also been a prominent figure at various national and international comedy festivals, showcasing his talent to audiences worldwide. His comedic prowess has earned him accolades, including being ranked among the greatest stand-up comedians by Channel 4.

Dara Ó Briain is an Irish comedian and television presenter based in the United Kingdom. He is known for his stand-up comedy performances worldwide and for hosting popular panel shows such as Mock the Week, The Panel, and The Apprentice: You're Fired!. Ó Briain has received recognition for his work, including a BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Entertainment Performance. In addition to his television career, he has also been a newspaper columnist and author, writing books for both adults and children.

Brendan O'Carroll is a versatile Irish entertainer known for his work as an actor, comedian, director, producer, and writer. His most famous role is portraying the character Agnes Brown in the popular sitcom Mrs. Brown's Boys, both on stage and television. O'Carroll has received recognition for his contributions to Irish television, including being awarded the Irish Film and Television Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. Through his various talents and comedic performances, Brendan O'Carroll has left a significant mark on the entertainment industry.

Tommy Tiernan is an Irish comedian, actor, and writer known for his successful career in stand-up comedy. He has gained widespread recognition as the host of The Tommy Tiernan Show, a popular television series that has been on air since 2017. Additionally, Tiernan showcased his acting skills by portraying the character Gerry in the acclaimed sitcom Derry Girls from 2018 to 2022. With his distinctive humor and versatile talents, Tiernan continues to captivate audiences with his performances across various platforms.

Jimmy Carr is a renowned British-Irish comedian, presenter, writer, and actor known for his quick-witted, deadpan delivery of one-liners. He started his comedy journey in 1997 and has since become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Carr is a familiar face on television, particularly as the host of popular Channel 4 panel shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year. His humor, though divisive, has garnered him a large following and critical acclaim.

David O'Doherty is a versatile Irish entertainer known for his talents in comedy, writing, music, acting, and playwriting. His stand-up comedy has garnered numerous accolades, including prestigious awards like the if.comedy award. A Trinity College Dublin alumnus, O'Doherty's career took off from introducing events and performances. He is a prolific author with works spanning children's books, plays, and comedy CDs. With a self-deprecating humor, O'Doherty humorously describes himself as a "failed jazz musician" exploring various creative pursuits in his professional life.

Andrew Maxwell is an Irish comedian and narrator, recognized for his work as the narrator of the MTV reality series Ex on the Beach. With a successful career in comedy, Maxwell has established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Known for his wit and humor, he brings a unique and engaging style to his performances. His talents shine through in both his stand-up comedy routines and his narration work, showcasing his versatility and skill in captivating audiences with his storytelling abilities.

Jim Norton is an accomplished Irish character actor with a strong presence in stage, film, and television. He has garnered praise for his performances in various theatrical productions, particularly shining in Conor McPherson's The Seafarer. Norton is also recognized for his role as Bishop Brennan in the popular sitcom Father Ted, showcasing his versatility and talent in portraying diverse characters across different mediums. With a successful career spanning both stage and screen, Jim Norton continues to captivate audiences with his compelling performances.

Hugh Francis Carson, known professionally as Frank Carson, was a Northern Irish comedian and actor hailing from Belfast. He gained fame in the 1970s and beyond through his regular appearances on television shows like The Comedians and Tiswas. Carson was recognized for his signature catchphrase "It's the way I tell them!" and was a valued member of the entertainment charity, the Grand Order of Water Rats. Throughout his career, he brought laughter and joy to audiences with his comedic talents and infectious personality.

Eilish O'Carroll is a versatile Irish actress, writer, and comedian best known for her role as Winnie McGoogan in the popular BBC sitcom, Mrs. Brown's Boys. She has also showcased her talent as Dr. Flynn in the stage adaptation of the show. With a successful career in the entertainment industry, Eilish has captivated audiences with her comedic timing and engaging performances. Her contributions to the world of comedy and acting have solidified her reputation as a talented and respected professional in the field.

Brendan Grace was an esteemed Irish comedian and singer known for his iconic comedy character 'Bottler', memorable roles in the film Moondance and TV sitcom Father Ted, and hit songs like "The Combine Harvester" and "The Dutchman". His talent and humor endeared him to audiences, with his portrayal of Father Fintan Stack being particularly well-received. Grace's career spanned decades, leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry through his comedic performances and musical contributions.

Patricia Collinge was an accomplished Irish-American actress and writer, renowned for her prominent stage performances and notable roles in films such as The Little Foxes (1941) and Shadow of a Doubt (1943). Her talent and dedication to her craft earned her an Academy Award nomination and a National Board of Review Award for her exceptional performance in The Little Foxes. Collinge's career was marked by a significant contribution to both stage and screen, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and talented performer.

Al Porter is a multifaceted Irish entertainer known for his work in comedy, acting, pantomime, writing, and radio broadcasting. With a dynamic career spanning various mediums, he has made a name for himself as a versatile performer. Porter's comedic talents have earned him recognition in the entertainment industry, while his acting roles and radio work have showcased his diverse skill set. As a writer, he has contributed his creative voice to various projects, further solidifying his presence in the world of entertainment.

Pat Shortt is a versatile Irish entertainer known for his work as an actor, comedian, and writer. His performance in the 2007 film Garage earned him the prestigious IFTA award for Best Actor. Shortt is best recognized for his portrayal of Tom in the popular television series Father Ted, showcasing his comedic talents and ability to connect with audiences. With a successful career spanning various mediums, Shortt continues to captivate viewers with his wit, humor, and memorable performances.

Jimmy O'Dea was a prominent Irish actor and comedian known for his successful career in the entertainment industry. He gained popularity for his comedic performances on stage, radio, and television, captivating audiences with his wit and charm. O'Dea's talent and versatility allowed him to excel in various roles, earning him a reputation as a versatile entertainer. Throughout his career, he entertained audiences with his unique style of humor and acting skills, leaving a lasting impact on the Irish entertainment scene.

Wilfrid Brambell was an Irish television and film actor known for his iconic role as Albert Steptoe in the BBC sitcom "Steptoe and Son." He achieved international fame for his appearance in the film "A Hard Day's Night" alongside the Beatles. Brambell's career spanned several decades, during which he showcased his versatile acting skills across various mediums. His portrayal of Albert Steptoe remains a significant contribution to British television history, solidifying his legacy as a talented and memorable actor in the entertainment industry.

Jason Byrne is an accomplished Irish stand-up comedian known for his successful career in both radio and television. He has made multiple appearances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and hosted various shows on Phantom FM, RTÉ Two, and BBC Radio 2. Byrne has also created and starred in award-winning radio shows, including "The Jason Byrne Show." Additionally, he is a published author, with his series of books, The Accidental Adventures of Onion O'Brien, drawing inspiration from his own childhood experiences in Ireland.

Kevin McGahern is a versatile Irish entertainer known for his work as a comedian, TV presenter, writer, and actor. He gained recognition as the former host of Republic of Telly from 2013 to 2017, showcasing his comedic talents to a wide audience. Additionally, he has displayed his storytelling abilities in the documentary series Kevin McGahern's America. McGahern's professional life is characterized by his engaging performances and contributions to the entertainment industry, highlighting his creativity and versatility in various roles.

Neil Delamere is a renowned Irish comedian known for his witty humor and clever storytelling. He has gained popularity through his appearances on BBC Northern Ireland's The Blame Game, showcasing his comedic talents. Delamere's success extends to being crowned the BBC Fighting Talk Champion of Champions in 2022, highlighting his sharp wit and quick thinking. With a knack for entertaining audiences and delivering laughs, Neil Delamere continues to make his mark in the comedy world with his unique style and charismatic stage presence.

Jon Kenny is an Irish comedian and actor, best known for his work as one half of the famous Irish comic duo d'Unbelievables with Pat Shortt. They achieved success with various releases until Kenny's diagnosis with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Kenny is also an accomplished singer and a supporter of Munster Rugby. He has ventured into solo comedy, releasing a stand-up DVD titled 'Back to Front' and starring in the independent feature film 'Insatiable'. In 2012-13, he collaborated on a theatre show called 'Mag Mell' with other artists.

Chris Tordoff, also known as "The Viper," is an English-born Irish comedian, actor, writer, YouTuber, and streamer. He gained fame for co-creating the popular RTÉ mockumentary series Hardy Bucks, where he portrays the character Francis "The Viper" Higgins. Tordoff has continued to embody this role across various platforms, including The Hardy Bucks Movie, Republic of Telly, and Viper's View. Additionally, he engages with his audience through his own YouTube and Twitch channels, showcasing his comedic talents and entertaining a wide range of viewers.

Bernard O'Shea is an Irish comedian known for his work on the satirical sketch TV show Republic of Telly. He co-hosted the 2FM Breakfast Republic radio show with Jennifer Zamparelli and Keith Walsh. O'Shea began his entertainment career by playing traditional Irish music and touring Europe. He studied theatre in college and performed in various theatrical productions, including at the National Theatre of Ireland, the Abbey Theatre. O'Shea has won several comedy awards, including the Harp Newcomer Comedy Award and has performed at prestigious comedy festivals such as Montreal Just for Laughs and The Kilkenny Cat Laughs. He also wrote sketches for Today FM.

Risteárd Cooper is a versatile Irish actor, comedian, singer, and writer whose professional life is marked by a diverse range of performances across theatre, television, and film. With an impressive background in acting, Cooper has showcased his talent in lead roles at major theatres in Ireland, the UK, and the USA. He has also ventured into television projects, starring in various acclaimed productions and comedy series. Cooper's career highlights include roles in popular shows such as "Delicious," "Quiz," and "No Offence," as well as his own comedy sketch series for sports show "Off the Ball" on YouTube.

Cecil Sheridan was an Irish comedian and actor known for his versatile career spanning over forty years. He gained recognition for his performances in variety shows and pantomimes in Ireland and Great Britain. With a talent for comedy, he entertained audiences with his unique style and wit. Sheridan's professional life was characterized by his dedication to the craft of entertainment, leaving a lasting impact on the industry through his memorable performances and contributions to the world of comedy and acting.

Maureen Potter was a versatile Irish entertainer known for her talents as a singer, actress, comedienne, and performer. She captivated audiences with her powerful vocal abilities, comedic timing, and engaging stage presence. Throughout her career, she showcased her versatility by excelling in various entertainment genres. Maureen's performances were characterized by her charismatic personality and ability to connect with her audience, making her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Her legacy lives on through her contributions to Irish music, theater, and comedy.

Des Bishop is a well-known Irish-American comedian who has made a name for himself with his sharp wit and engaging performances. He began his career in New York before moving to Ireland, where he has established himself as a prominent figure in the comedy scene. Known for his observational humor and cultural commentary, Des has garnered a loyal following through his stand-up shows, television appearances, and successful tours. His unique perspective and ability to connect with audiences have solidified his reputation as a talented and respected comedian.

Niall Tóibín was a prominent Irish comedian and actor known for his versatile performances in film and television. He appeared in a wide range of productions, including notable works like Ryan's Daughter, Brideshead Revisited, and Veronica Guerin. Throughout his career, Tóibín showcased his talent and skill, earning recognition such as honorary lifetime membership of the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) in 2011 and the prestigious Freedom of Cork in 2015. His contributions to the entertainment industry left a lasting impact on audiences and colleagues alike.

P. J. Gallagher is an accomplished Irish stand-up comedian, actor, and co-creator of the popular television show Naked Camera. His talent shines through in the various characters he portrays on the show, including a mentally unstable taxi driver, the charming ladies' man Jake Stevens, and the hilarious "Dirty Auld One", an old woman known for her witty and sometimes risqué sexual comments. Through his work, Gallagher has established himself as a versatile and engaging entertainer with a knack for bringing humor and authenticity to his performances.

Mario Rosenstock is a renowned Irish actor, comedian, impressionist, and musician known for his versatile talents in the entertainment industry. He has gained fame for his exceptional skills in impersonating various public figures, bringing laughter to audiences through his comedic performances. With a successful career spanning several years, Rosenstock has established himself as a prominent figure in the Irish entertainment scene. He continues to captivate audiences with his humor, wit, and musical talents, showcasing his creativity and versatility in various mediums.

Tyrone Power was an accomplished Irish stage actor, comedian, author, and theatrical manager. Known professionally as Tyrone Power, he left a lasting mark on the world of theater. His talent and dedication made him a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. As an influential theatrical manager, Power was instrumental in shaping the stage productions of his time. His legacy lives on through his work, inspiring future generations of actors and theater professionals.

Alison Spittle is a multi-talented Irish professional known for her work as a comedian, comedy writer, radio producer, and actor. She has lent her talents to various radio stations such as iRadio, RTÉ Radio 1, and Newstalk. She has created sketches for Republic of Telly and wrote and starred in her own RTÉ Two sit-com, Nowhere Fast. Furthermore, Alison is the host and creator of the popular Alison Spittle Show podcast, which is part of the HeadStuff Podcast Network. Her diverse skills and contributions have solidified her presence in the entertainment industry.