Celebrate St Patrick's day with these Irish TV shows and films

Irish films and TV have a magic all of their own. It can be laugh-out-loud funny one minute, quietly devastating the next, and always rooted in unforgettable characters and a powerful sense of place. From windswept islands to bustling Dublin streets, these stories feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.

St Patrick’s Day falls on 17 March each year, and as it approaches, many of us find ourselves drawn to great Irish stories on screen – the perfect way to get into the spirit of the celebration.

In the run up to St Patrick’s Day, you might be looking for Irish-themed TV and movies to watch to get into the spirit, and you’re in luck. Here are some of the best Irish movies and TV to stream right now – a brilliant mix of modern hits and hidden gems worth discovering.

Available to stream on Channel 4 and Netflix

Set in 1990s Northern Ireland during the Troubles, this coming-of-age comedy follows a tight-knit group of teens navigating school, family and absolute chaos. Featuring Nicola Coughlan and Louisa Harland, Derry Girls is fast, fearless and laugh-out-loud funny, with razor-sharp writing and endless rewatch value.

Available to stream on BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Disney+

An intimate, emotionally charged love story following two young people as they drift in and out of each other’s lives from school to university. Quiet, honest and beautifully performed, it captures the awkwardness and intensity of first love with striking realism. Featuring Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones, this on-again, off-again romance series will have you hitting rewind as soon as the credits have rolled.

Available to stream on BBC iPlayer and Neflix

Set in Belfast, this chilling cat-and-mouse thriller follows a detective hunting a serial killer who is targeting young professional women. Dark, atmospheric and meticulously plotted, it’s gripping from the very first episode. Featuring Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan, this slow burn crime drama makes for great viewing. With three seasons to get your teeth into, playing detective from the comfort of your sofa has never been easier. 

Available to stream on BBC iPlayer and Netflix

Following the Kinsella family as they are involved in a gangland war with an international drug cartel, family loyalty meets warfare in this slick, modern crime series. With strong performances from the likes of Charlie Cox and Aidan Gillen, and high emotional stakes, Kin blends tension with character-driven storytelling, ideal if you like your dramas intense but grounded.

Available to stream on Disney+

Set on a remote island off Ireland’s west coast, this darkly funny drama follows two lifelong friends whose relationship comes to an abrupt end. Featuring Colin Farrell, Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan, what starts as a simple falling-out spirals into something far more profound, blending razor-sharp dialogue with melancholy and moments of absurd humour.

Available to purchase on Virgin Media Store

A sweeping tale of love, homesickness and identity, Brooklyn follows Eilis Lacey, a young Irish woman who emigrates to New York in the 1950s. Torn between two countries, she must decide where her heart truly lies. Featuring Saoirse Ronan and Julie Walters, Brooklyn is warm, tender and gorgeously crafted, the kind of film that lingers long after the credits roll.

Available to purchase on Virgin Media Store

Need something uplifting? Sing Street is pure joy. Set in 1980s Dublin, it follows Conor, a teenager who starts a band to impress a girl, and discovers his creative voice along the way. Featuring appearances from Lucy Boynton, Aidan Gillen and Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Sing Street is a feel-good film packed with original songs and plenty of charm. By the time the final track kicks in, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear.

Available to purchase on Virgin Media Store

If you prefer your crime dramas with a heavy dose of sarcasm, The Guard is a must-watch. Set in rural Ireland, it pairs a laid-back, sharp-tongued local policeman with an earnest FBI agent investigating a drug-smuggling ring. Featuring Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle and Mark Strong, the humour is dry, the dialogue is deliciously sharp, and the setting couldn’t be more atmospheric.

Irish films have a knack for blending humour with heartbreak. One moment you’re laughing at a brilliantly dry one-liner, the next you’re completely floored by an emotional twist. There’s a strong sense of place, too. From rugged coastlines to tight-knit communities, these stories hold real texture and authenticity.

Add in world-class acting, sharp writing and a proud storytelling tradition, and you’ve got entertainment that consistently punches above its weight.

From feel-good favourites to award-winning dramas, there’s a whole world of Irish storytelling waiting to be discovered on Virgin TV. Whether you’re in the mood for music, romance, gripping history or pitch-black comedy, there’s something here to match your vibe.

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