Comedians

We Dubliners have always enjoyed a good laugh.

Since the middle of the 20th century, Dublin has produced some of Ireland’s most acclaimed and famous comedians. They have appeared in comedy shows, television programmes and film, as well as performed in festivals around the world.

Many of Dublin and Ireland’s most renowned comedians have found success outside its borders, especially in the United Kingdom. Dave Allen found success in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia in the 1960s and 1970s. At one time the most controversial comedian in Britain, Allen often challenged political hypocrisy and religious authority with his comedy acts.

Ireland’s other famous performers include stand-up comedian and actor Sean Hughes and Dermot Morgan, one of Ireland’s greatest satirists who immortalised himself with his leading role in Father Ted.

Among Dublin’s most recognised contemporary comedians, Dylan Moran and Tommy Tiernan have both enjoyed significant international success. Known for his sardonic observational comedy, Moran has appeared in such films as Shaun of the Dead and Run Fatboy Run. He has also regularly performed at international comedy festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Just for Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival. Tiernan, who also appeared in the acclaimed Father Ted series as a depressed priest, has made appearances on American talk shows The Late Late Show and the Late Show with David Letterman.