Global Talent Directory

Comedians from Ireland

The comedian directory of Ireland — profiles, bios, photos, and social links for comedians from Ireland.

28 comedians

Aisling Bea

Aisling Bea, born Aisling Clíodhnadh O'Sullivan on March 16, 1984, is an Irish actress and comedian. She professionally uses the surname 'Bea,' a tribute to her father, Brian O'Sullivan, who died by suicide when she was three years old. Her upbringing in Co Kildare informs her current stand-up material, which frequently incorporates stories about growing up without a father. Bea received a formal education, studying French and philosophy at Trinity College Dublin and later attending the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). Bea’s career has encompassed television, radio, and live performance. Having been a frequent participant on panel programs including QI and 8 Out of 10 Cats, Aisling Bea is also recognized as a regular on 'Taskmaster,' appearing in the fifth series in 2017. A significant early achievement in her career was winning the So You Think You're Funny award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2012. Bea collaborated to both write and present the BBC Radio 4 comedy series 'Micks and Legends,' which aired in 2012 and again in 2015. The comedy series 'This Way Up,' for which she served as creator, writer, and star, was broadcast between 2019 and 2021. Bea also featured in a Netflix stand-up special released in late 2018, further establishing her presence in the comedy world. Currently, Aisling Bea is on her first stand-up tour, 'Older Than Jesus,' which has been reviewed positively by publications like The Guardian, The Irish Examiner, and The Times. The Guardian describes it as a "scatty show that revels in immaturity," while the Irish Examiner noted her connection with audiences in Cork. She has performed at venues such as Vicar Street as part of the tour. Bea’s professional representation includes Emily Hargreaves at Multitude Media, Hannah Chambers at Chambers Management Ltd, Livi Shean at Independent Talent, and Rachel Rusch at CAA. Looking ahead, she is set to appear in the sci-fi thriller 'Starman' (2026) with Brendan Fraser and Jeff Daniels, and the Amazon MGM rom-com ‘Hello & Paris’ (2026) alongside Kate Hudson and Javier Bardem. In January 2024, she was a comedian on 'LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland,' and as of June 2024, she is expecting her first child with partner Jack Freeman.

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Graham Norton

Graham William Walker, who performs under the name Graham Norton, is an Irish comedian, broadcaster, actor and writer. He became widely recognised as the host of the talk‑show The Graham Norton Show, a position he has held since 2007. His achievements include a record six BAFTA Television Awards for Best Entertainment Performance and an extra BAFTA for his work as a producer. Observers frequently highlight his dialogue full of innuendo and his bright, flamboyant presenting style.

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Jimmy Carr

James Anthony Patrick Carr, known professionally as Jimmy Carr, is a comedian and presenter with roots in both London and Ireland. Born on September 15, 1972, in Isleworth, London, he comes from parents Nora Mary Lawlor and Patrick James Carr, who hail from Limerick, Ireland. His father worked in finance, eventually serving as treasurer for Unisys. Carr’s parents separated in 1994. He received his education at Farnham Common School, Burnham Grammar School, and later the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe, completing his sixth form there. A diagnosis of dyslexia presented challenges in his early years, impacting his reading and writing until around age ten or eleven. Academically, he excelled, earning a first-class honors degree in social science and political science from Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, in 1994. Following university, Carr briefly worked in marketing at Shell before taking voluntary redundancy in January 2000. This marked a significant shift as he began his career in comedy, performing his first paid stand-up gig that same month. He is recognized for his distinctive comedic style, characterized by rapid-fire delivery and dark humor that frequently pushes boundaries. Carr’s work often involves edgy and controversial material, delivered with a deadpan expression. He has been a consistent presence on television screens since 2004, hosting The Big Fat Quiz of the Year . From 2005 to 2021, he presented 8 Out of 10 Cats , and continues to host its spin-off, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown , since 2012. He also hosted A Comedy Roast in 2010, and Roast Battle from 2018 to 2020. Carr’s versatility extends beyond television, with appearances on Top Gear where he set a celebrity test track lap record, and guest spots on American late-night shows such as Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Tonight Show . He currently hosts I Literally Just Told You on Channel 4. His comedy is widely accessible through various platforms, including Netflix specials, his official YouTube channel featuring full shows, and DVD releases of his stand-up performances. Carr has also explored the theory behind humor, publishing books like 'On Jokes', 'The Carr-Tell', and 'The Naked Jape'. He continues to engage with audiences through live performances, currently touring with his show ‘Killing Jokes’, and frequently participates in podcast appearances.

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Steve Coogan

Born October 14, 1965, Stephen John Coogan is a British actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer. His early education included attending St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Primary School and Cardinal Langley Roman Catholic High School. He achieved O-levels in 1983 and subsequently earned four A-levels in 1984, including English Literature, British Government and Politics, Art, and General Studies. Coogan began his career with voice work on the satirical puppet show 'Spitting Image' from 1988 to 1992. He also hosted the radio spoof chat show 'Knowing Me, Knowing You,' which was later adapted into a television series. Coogan’s comedy style is characterized by awkwardness and observational humor, most notably embodied in the creation and portrayal of Alan Partridge. The character first appeared on BBC Radio 4's 'On the Hour' (1991-1992) and continued to develop in 'The Day Today' (1994), where he also introduced characters like Paul Calf. ‘I’m Alan Partridge,’ a television series based on ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’, further cemented Alan Partridge’s popularity. He has collaborated with Rob Brydon on projects such as 'A Cock and Bull Story' (2005) and the ongoing 'Trip' series (2010, 2014, 2017, 2020). Throughout his career, Coogan has received significant recognition for his contributions to entertainment. Coogan received six BAFTA Awards throughout his career, along with nominations for two Academy Awards and one Golden Globe Award. He co-founded Baby Cow Productions with Henry Normal in 1999, further expanding his creative output. His film credits include 'The Parole Officer' and '24 Hour Party People' (both 2002). Notably, he co-wrote, produced, and starred in 'Philomena' (2013), which garnered Academy Award nominations. He portrayed Stan Laurel in 'Stan & Ollie' (2018) and recently played Jimmy Savile in the BBC drama 'The Reckoning’ (2023). Alan Partridge is returning for a new series, titled ‘I’m Still Alan Partridge,’ continuing Coogan’s enduring legacy in comedy.

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