In honor of St Patrick’s Day, I thought I’d roll out a list of Irish movies to get you in the spirit. Some of these movies are AWESOME and a few I’ve never even seen, but are highly recommended. So go get your green on and settle in to watch one of these Irish classics.
If nothing else, you can mute the movies and dream about traveling to Ireland! It’s even more amazing than all these movies show. You have to see it in person some day to truly understand how gorgeous it is. But for now, seeing it in movies will have to do!
1. Waking Ned Devine: I love this movie. The Girl loves this movie. So of course we watch it all. the. time. It is one of my all-time favorite movies and I wouldn’t just recommend it for St. Patrick’s Day, but really any day of the year. Although, since it’s St. Patrick’s Day, watch away. You won’t regret it!
2. Once: First, grab your Kleenex before watching this. Second, don’t be scared off because of the “musical” label. It’s all the beautiful music that comes with a musical without all the glitz and outrageous costumes and choreographed dance sequences I hate. This movie follows an immigrant couple’s attempts to turn their love story into a musical. Sounds like an odd premise, but it works. And the music is awesome too.
3. Circle of Friends: An Irish coming of age tale that is the perfect Irish chick flick. It also stars Minnie Driver and Chris O’Donnel, so that’s a double plus in my book. Sure certain parts are a tad cheesy, but overall it’s the perfect movie for The Girl and I to get lost in on a Friday night.
4. Darby O’Gill and the Little People: This movie is pure kitsch, nostalgic nonsense. And I love every last minute of it. It’s tacky and silly, yes, but it absolutely works. It’s also a great movie to watch with the whole family. And I’m pretty sure it’ll make you laugh every time!
5. The Commitments: This movie is a great one if you need a good Irish laugh. It’s about a group of working class Irish musicians that decide to bring “soul” to Dublin by forming a very white version of a soul band. It’s awesome, and after watching it, I read a little about it and learned that pretty much all of the actors had never acted before. They cast them purely on their musical talents. I would not have guessed that, because they did a totally believable job!
6. Angela’s Ashes: This one is a hard one to watch and will probably make you cry, but don’t let that scare you off. The writing is awesome, and even though it’s a heavy storyline, it’s so worth watching. In a nutshell, it’s the story of how one father’s alcoholism reeks complete havoc on his family. Like i said, heavy stuff. But if you’re in the mood to shed a good tear, this is the perfect movie for you.
7. Braveheart: I know, I know. Technically this is not an Irish movie, but a portion of the movie was filmed in Ireland so I’m adding it to the list. And because it’s one of the HH and Monkey Boy’s favorites of all time. Even though I normally don’t like that much violence, I’ve gotta admit it was pretty incredible.
8. Boondock Saints: Here’s another one I haven’t seen, but ranks up there as a HH favorite. He tried to get me to watch it once, but that was right after I watched Braveheart for the first time, so I needed a good chick flick to recover from that. From what I gather, it’s a vigilante Irish mafia movie. But the HH swears it’s good. Maybe someday I’ll give in and watch it!
So there you have a great selection to get you in the Irish spirit. Did I miss any of your favorites?
Peace out Girl Scouts & have yourself a great weekend,
~Mavis
Looking for more movies?
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Shannon says
Have you seen The Quiet Man starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara? It is delightful. I think you would love it.
Madam Chow says
F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C. Wonderful, wonderful movie!
Also, if you like musicals, Brigadoon and Finnian’s Rainbow.
Holly says
Don’t forget “P.S. I Love You” with Gerrard Butler (WOW) and Hillary Swank. I LOVE THAT MOVIE. Bring your tissues, though. You will laugh AND cry!
Linda says
I was just going to post the same movie! I love PS I Love You too!
Amanda H says
Far & Away! Only part of it takes place in Ireland, though.
Dianna says
I love The Secret of Roan Inish. It has the best music ever.
Dianna says
P.S. I like to watch it with the captions on because their accents are so awesome I can’t understand them half the time. 🙂
Mavis Butterfield says
Ha!
Mavis Butterfield says
Ohh that was a good one!
Leslie says
This is one of my favorites too
Maggie Little says
Book of Kells. Cute animated flick. And of course, The Quiet Man. Absolutely The Quiet Man. Must see every year.
Chris says
The Quiet Man! Without a doubt, it is the perfect movie. John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara and the stunning Irish countryside – perfection. “No patty-fingers, if you please!”
Maggie Little says
Correction – movie is Secret of Kells.
Staci W. says
The Quiet Man for sure! 🙂
Linda says
It’s great to read Angela’s Ashes before seeing the movie,
Katie says
Evelyn with Pierce Brosnan and Aidan Quinn is a great Irish movie, and based on a true story. Wonderful movie!
Grace says
I know I’m late to this post, but here are 2 of my favorites.
The Matchmaker (1997)
From A Yank’s Guide to Ireland (http://www.yanksguideirl.com/2011/01/14-favorite-irish-movies/):
“A Massachusetts senator sends his aide (Janeane Garofalo) to Ireland to find some relatives so he can court the Irish-American vote in his re-election campaign. Arriving in the fictional Ballinagra, (Town of Love) Garofalo finds herself in the midst of the annual matchmaking festival. In case you’re wondering, there is indeed such a festival in Lisdoonvarna Co-Clare, during the month of September. Garofalo has trouble finding any would-be relatives for the senator, but makes a romantic connection with an Irish writer who has a day job as bartender. The movie plays on contrasts in lifestyle between the easy-going Irish and fast-paced Boston-America.”
FYI: David O’Hara, who played Stephen, King of Ireland, in Braveheart, plays the love interest in this movie.
In America (2002)
Although it isn’t set in Ireland, it does tell the story of an Irish family that immigrates to NYC in modern times. I found it to be an unexpectedly charming movie & the 2 actresses that portray the daughters are completely captivating. The family has relocated to NYC so the father can pursue his acting career & so the family can start over after the tragic death of their son & brother. They move into a tenement that is home to drug addicts, transvestites, & a “screaming man” who is an artist with a mysterious blood disease (AIDS, although this is never stated explicitly). Samantha Morton was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance as the mother.
Stephanie says
I second Boondock Saints (yes, VERY GRAPHIC, but great) and P.S I Love You.
I dont recommend the 2nd Boondock Saints…
Betsy in MN says
Leap Year with Amy Adams. It’s a little sappy, but a good watch!
The Luck of the Irish – funny kids movie!
Robyn says
Leap Year too and the Secret of Roaninnish(sp?)
Jen F. says
Here’s a list to share:
In the Name of the Father – https://goo.gl/msDBNZ
Brooklyn – https://goo.gl/jLgHaj
Michael Collins – https://goo.gl/Ji3f2w
Gangs of New York – https://goo.gl/Saj13l
In America – https://goo.gl/XYOmuz
The Magdalene Sisters – https://goo.gl/mr2YSu
Philomena – https://goo.gl/TB2Yed
I also have to agree with Far and Away. Love that movie!
Christina says
I adore “Waking Ned Devine” and “The Secret of Roan Innish;” the y are staples all year at our house. I also discovered “The Secret of Kells” and “Song of the Sea” this year, which are just beautiful!
Molly says
Two of my favorites are The Secret of Roan Inish and P.S. I Love You.