Top 10 Irish Comedians Who Made History in Stand-Up and TV

Ireland has long been a land of rich storytelling, and its comedians carry that legacy with humor and a sharp edge.

Known for their clever observations, self-deprecating charm, and unforgettable delivery, Irish comedians have captivated audiences worldwide through stand-up and television.

In this list, we celebrate the top 10 Irish comedians who have made history with their cultural insight and set them apart in the world of comedy.

List of Best Irish Comedians

10: Mario Rosenstock

Date of Birth: August 31, 1970, London, United Kingdom

Best Works:

• The Mario Rosenstock Show
• A Kingdom Once Again
• Dr. David Hanlon in Glenroe

Accolades:

• PPI National Radio Award
• Inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame

Career Journey of Mario Rosenstock:

Mario Rosenstock first came to the attention by portraying the role of Dr. David Hanlon in the popular Irish soap Glenroe during the 1990s.

Breakthrough of Mario Rosenstock:

He rose to fame as the creator and voice behind the legendary Gift Grub sketch on Today FM’s The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show in 1999. Gift Grub (1999) became a cultural phenomenon in Ireland, making Rosenstock a household name.

His one-man shows, Mario Rosenstock Live and Mario-in Your Face, broke box office records, selling over 200,000 tickets and selling out the Gaiety Theatre for six consecutive nights.

Comedic Style of Mario Rosenstock:

His humor combines sharp social commentary with hilarious impressions, making his performances both entertaining and culturally relevant.

Recent Works of Mario Rosenstock:

Rosenstock guested on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show in 2025, previewing his nationwide tour and reprising fan‑favorite Gift Grub characters. His influence in Irish satire remains unmatched, cementing his place as one of the famous Irish comedians.

9: Joe Rooney

Date of Birth: October 1, 1963, Drogheda, Ireland

Best Works:

• Father Damien Lennon in Father Ted
• Timmy Higgins in Killinaskully
• Fergus Scully in Rí Rá

Career Journey of Joe Rooney:

Joe Rooney began his career as the frontman of the Dublin band Guernica in the mid-1980s before transitioning to comedy and acting. His versatility spans stand-up performances worldwide, including in New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Dubai.

Breakthrough of Joe Rooney:

He gained fame as Father Damien on Father Ted (1996) and starred in Killinaskully (2004), where he also contributed as a writer, further establishing his reputation in Irish comedy.

Comedic Style of Joe Rooney:

Known for his sharp wit, musical talent, and storytelling, Rooney blends observational humor with cultural satire, solidifying his status as one of the famous comedians. His ability to engage live audiences across continents highlights his dynamic stage presence.

Recent Works of Joe Rooney:

Joe continues to act in TV and film, with recent appearances in Oddity (2024). He hosts the podcast PodaRooney, featuring entertainment industry guests, and remains active in stand-up globally.

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8: Jason Byrne

Date of Birth: February 25, 1972, Dublin, Ireland

Best Works:

• Father Ted (TV appearances)
• Live at the Apollo (stand-up specials)
• Alice in Wonderland (voice work)
• The Jason Byrne Show (radio and TV)

Accolades:

• Gold Sony Radio Award for Best Comedy
• Fourth One Fringe Award

Career Journey of Jason Byrne:

Jason Byrne began his comedy career in the mid-1990s in Dublin, quickly gaining recognition for his energetic, improvisational style and surreal humor. Over the years, he built a reputation through stand-up shows and appearances on radio and TV.

Breakthrough of Jason Byrne:

Byrne gained significant recognition in 1998 when he was nominated for the Perrier Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Festival.

His own radio and comedy chat shows, including The Jason Byrne Show (2010 – 2012) on BBC Radio 2, earned critical acclaim and won a Gold Sony Radio Award for Best Comedy.

Comedic Style of Jason Byrne:

Known for observational comedy, surreal humor, and insult comedy, this male comedy actor’s energetic delivery and quick wit keep audiences engaged. His unpredictable, high-energy performances combine physical comedy with sharp, often absurd jokes.

Recent Works of Jason Byrne:

In 2018, Byrne published The Accidental Adventures of Onion O’Brien, a children’s book series inspired by his own childhood experiences.

He continues to tour across Ireland and the UK, performing stand-up and appearing on television panel shows.

7: Ed Byrne

Date of Birth: April 16, 1972, Dublin, Ireland

Best Works:

• Appearances on Mock the Week
• Father Ted episode “A Christmassy Ted”
• Film roles in Zemanovaload and Are You Ready For Love

Accolades:

• Angel Award (Monaco Film Festival)
• Monaco International Film Festival – Best Supporting Actor

Career Journey of Ed Byrne:

Ed Byrne started comedy while studying horticulture in Glasgow, founding a local stand-up night. He later moved to London and gained traction with his sharp observational humor, earning a Perrier nomination in 1998.

Breakthrough of Ed Byrne:

Byrne’s big break came through consistent performances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and regular TV panel show appearances. His sell-out tours and UK DVD releases further expanded his fan base.

Comedic Style of Ed Byrne:

As one of the most respected Irish comedians, Byrne showcased his unique ability with sharp observational humor. His intelligent delivery and self-deprecating tone resonate with a wide audience.

Recent Works of Ed Byrne:

In 2025, Byrne continued the Tragedy Plus Time tour with additional performances across the UK and Ireland, including cities like Launceston, Plymouth, and Kildare.

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6: Dylan Moran

Date of Birth: November 3, 1971, Navan. Ireland

Best Works:

• Bernard Black in Black Books
• David in Shaun of the Dead
• Rufus in Run Fatboy Run
• Ian Lyons in How Do You Want Me?

Accolades:

• Perrier Comedy Award
• BAFTA TV Award

Career Journey of Dylan Moran:

Dylan Moran left school at 16 and began performing stand-up in Dublin’s Comedy Cellar in 1992, receiving a warm reception. In 1996, he won the prestigious Perrier Comedy Award for Gurgling for Money, leading to global recognition and international tours.

Breakthrough of Dylan Moran:

Moran’s breakthrough came in 2000 when he co-created and starred in Black Books, a cult Channel 4 sitcom. The series earned a loyal fan base and showcased his misanthropic, wine-loving character, Bernard Black. His film roles in A Cock and Bull Story (2005) and Shaun of the Dead (2004) expanded his reach beyond TV.

Comedic Style of Dylan Moran:

Moran blends sharp observational humor with poetic surrealism. His style mixes bleak realism, absurd metaphors, and world-weary delivery.

Recent Works of Dylan Moran:

Moran returned to international touring with We Got This in 2022 and continued to tour in Ireland, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand in 2023.

In 2024, he appeared in the film The Killer’s Game, continuing to make a lasting impact on Ireland’s comedy scene.

5: David O’Doherty

Date of Birth: December 18, 1975, Dublin, Ireland

Best Works:

• David O’Doherty: Let’s Comedy (Edinburgh Fringe)
• The Modest Adventures of David O’Doherty (RTÉ Two)
• Danger Is Everywhere (Children’s Book)
• David O’Doherty: You Have to Laugh (Tour Show)

Accolades:

• Edinburgh Comedy Awards
• Best International Comedian – Sydney Comedy Festival
• Hot Press Irish Comedian of the Year

Career Journey of David O’Doherty:

David O’Doherty started performing in Dublin’s Comedy Cellar in 1998. A Trinity College graduate and son of jazz musician Jim Doherty, he initially worked odd jobs before making waves with The Boy Who Saved Comedy (2000) in Edinburgh.

Breakthrough of David O’Doherty:

His big breakthrough came with Let’s Comedy in 2008, earning the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Awards. He toured globally and supported acts like Demetri Martin and Rich Hall.

In 2012, he became the first Irish comedian featured on a Comedy Central Presents episode on American television.

Comedic Style of David O’Doherty:

His comedy blends childlike wonder with deadpan delivery, surreal tales, and absurd songs played on a miniature keyboard. He often mixes low-key charm with offbeat storytelling.

Recent Works of David O’Doherty:

In 2023, O’Doherty toured with Tiny Piano Man. His new show, Highway to the David Zone, will be touring in 2025, with a scheduled performance at Soho Theatre Walthamstow on November

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4: Dara Ó Briain

Date of Birth: February 4, 1972, Bray, Ireland

Best Works:

• Host of Mock the Week
• Co-creator of The Panel
• Presenter of Dara Ó Briain’s Science Club
• Host of Stargazing Live
• Presenter of Go 8 Bit

Accolades:

• Guinness World Record holder for the highest stand-up gig

Career Journey of Dara Ó Briain:

Dara Ó Briain began his career in the mid-1990s as a children’s TV presenter on Ireland’s Echo Island while gigging across the Irish comedy circuit. He later rose to fame with Don’t Feed the Gondolas (1998–2000) and became a household name, hosting BBC’s Mock the Week (2005 – 2022).

Breakthrough of Dara Ó Briain:

His major break came with his stand-up success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and international comedy tours. His witty observational humor and intellect made him one of the UK and Ireland’s most sought-after comedians.

Comedic Style of Dara Ó Briain:

Ó Briain blends intellectual comedy with relatable observational humor, often drawing on science, culture, and everyday life. His fast-paced delivery, audience interaction, and wit make him stand out.

Recent Works of Dara Ó Briain:

In 2024, he performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, followed by his Re: Creation tour across the UK and Ireland in 2025. His continued global presence solidifies his position among the best Irish comedians.

3: Chris O’Dowd

Date of Birth: October 9, 1979, Boyle, County Roscommon, Ireland

Best Works:

• Roy Trenneman in The IT Crowd
• Officer Nathan Rhodes in Bridesmaids
• Dave Lovelace in The Sapphires
• William Rackham in The Crimson Petal and the White
• Miles Daly in Get Shorty

Accolades:

• Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards
• Primetime Emmy Award
• BAFTA Award

Career Journey of Chris O’Dowd:

Chris O’Dowd began his acting career in British television, appearing in series such as Red Cap and Roman’s Empire. Over the years, he has worked across film, stage, and TV, establishing himself as a versatile actor with a global fan base.

Breakthrough of Chris O’Dowd:

O’Dowd’s breakthrough came with The IT Crowd (2006–2010), where his performance as the socially awkward yet hilarious Roy brought him widespread recognition.

He diversified his portfolio with the semi-autobiographical series Moone Boy (2012 – 2015), which he co-wrote, directed, and starred in, earning critical acclaim.

Comedic Style of Chris O’Dowd:

O’Dowd’s humor blends dry wit, charming awkwardness, and heartfelt storytelling. He often plays sincere, slightly clumsy characters who ground comedic chaos in relatable emotion.

Recent Works of Chris O’Dowd:

He appeared in The Big Door Prize (2023–2024), a comedy-drama series for Apple TV+. He also created and stars in Small Town, Big Story, a Sky Atlantic series in 2025, and continues to showcase his range and popularity across genres and platforms.

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2: Brendan O’Carroll

Date of Birth: September 17, 1955, Dublin, Ireland

Best Works:

• Agnes Brown in Mrs. Brown’s Boys
• Agnes Brown in Mrs. Brown’s Boys D’Movie
• Seamus in Agnes Browne
• Uncle Ronnie in The Walk-In

Accolades:

• Irish Film and Television Academy Lifetime Achievement Award
• National Television Award

Career Journey of Brendan O’Carroll:

Brendan O’Carroll began his comedic journey as a guest on The Late Late Show and released several stand-up videos before transitioning to television.

Breakthrough of Brendan O’Carroll:

O’Carroll’s iconic character Agnes Brown first appeared in radio, books, and theatre before becoming a TV hit in 2011. Mrs. Brown’s Boys became a long-running success across the UK and Ireland, spawning live shows, a hit film, and a spin-off talk show.

Comedic Style of Brendan O’Carroll:

O’Carroll blends slapstick, cross-dressing farce, and Irish family humor. His sharp improvisation, vulgar honesty, and warm-hearted characters define his comedy, often performed alongside his real family members.

Recent Works of Brendan O’Carroll:

Brendan reprised his role in Tyler Perry’s A Madea Homecoming (2022) and continued to tour with Mrs. Brown’s Boys D’Musical (2019 – 2024), keeping audiences laughing with his unique Irish humor.

1: Ardal O’Hanlon

Date of Birth: October 8, 1965, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, Ireland

Best Works:

• Father Dougal McGuire in Father Ted
• George Sunday/Thermoman in My Hero
• DI Jack Mooney in Death in Paradise
• Thomas Brannigan in Doctor Who

Accolades:

• British Comedy Award

Career Journey of Ardal O’Hanlon:

Ardal O’Hanlon co-founded the International Comedy Cellar in Dublin and quickly gained attention after winning the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year.

He became a TV presenter for The Stand Up Show and gained recognition in British comedy through key TV roles.

Breakthrough of Ardal O’Hanlon:

O’Hanlon’s role as Father Dougal in Father Ted (1995–1998) earned him national fame and a comedy award. The show’s success led to more TV projects, including lead roles in My Hero (2000 – 2006) and Death in Paradise (2017–2020), solidifying his place in UK and Irish television.

Comedic Style of Ardal O’Hanlon:

His style suits both stand-up and scripted roles, reflecting Irish social tones and quirky characters.

Recent Works of Ardal O’Hanlon:

In 2023, he played Uncle Jack in Dancing at Lughnasa at the National Theater. In 2024, he hosted Inis na nIontas on TG4 and reprised his role as DI Jack Mooney in the spin-off Return to Paradise, further cementing his place among famous Irish Comedians.

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