Colin Farrell, nominated in best limited TV series for The Penguin, has won his third Golden Globe award at a lively ceremony in Los Angeles.
With his rugged good looks, unforgettable charm, and a career filled with both high-octane action and deeply moving performances, Farrell has become a beloved figure in cinema. But beyond the movies, Farrell has blossomed into something even greater – a symbol of Irish pride and a true cultural icon. On the foot of his recent win, we take a look at the career highlights of one of Ireland’s most beloved character actors and his enduring connection to Ireland.
The Breakthrough Years
Colin Farrell’s rise to fame was nothing short of meteoric. Born in Dublin in 1976, the actor first captured global attention in the late 1990s, carving out a name for himself with roles in blockbuster thrillers Phone Booth (2002) and Minority Report (2002). Before these global hits however, Farrell’s career started with the Irish drama series Ballykissangel (1998), in which he starred as the loveable rogue Danny Byrne.
Filmed in the charming village of Avoca in County Wicklow, visitors can explore the series’ filming locations to this day, including Fitzgerald’s Pub in Avoca and neighboring natural beauty spots such as Wicklow Head, Brittas Bay, Enniskerry, and Glencree. Wicklow provides stunning views, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, with a mix of rolling hills, lakes, and forests.
Embracing His Irish Roots
One of the actor’s most celebrated performances in recent years came in The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), which brought Farrell a wave of critical acclaim and a Golden Globe win.
Farrell stars as Pádraic, the good-natured man at the heart of the film’s quirky tragedy, and his performance captures the essence of Irish storytelling: bittersweet, darkly humorous, and utterly captivating. Set on a fictional island off the Irish coast, the dark comedy was filmed on the Aran Island of Inishmore and in County Kerry and showcases some of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes. Several tours offer visitors a glimpse of ‘Banshee’ filming locations, including Achill Island Tours and Alchemy Tours.
Martin McDonagh and Colin Farrell on set of the film THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN. Photo by Jonathan Hession. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2022 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.
Another standout film in the actor’s career set in Ireland is Farrell’s star turn in Ondine (2009), which was filmed in County Cork and seamlessly blends Irish mythology with stunning coastal scenery. Visitors can immerse themselves in Irish folklore at the Irish Leprechaun Museum or take a mythology tour in one of Ireland’s picturesque cities.
Beyond the Screen: Farrell’s Philanthropy
Beyond the silver screen, the actor is not afraid to lend his star power to worthy causes and is actively involved in charity work – a far cry from the bad boy image that sometimes followed him in his early career. In October 2024, he ran the Dublin Marathon in support of Irish charity Debra. Visitors to Dublin can follow in his footsteps this Spring by lacing up their running shoes for the brand new Dublin City Half Marathon happening in March. Take in the sights and sounds of Farrell’s home turf, starting in the heart of the capital on O’Connell Street before travelling a route 21km-long through the city’s leafy suburbs.
30 October 2022; A general view of competitors in the 2022 Irish Life Dublin Marathon. 25,000 runners took to the Fitzwilliam Square start line, to participate in the 41st running of the Dublin Marathon, after a two-year absence. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***
The Luck of the Irish: Rising Talent
However, as awards season unfolds, it’s clear that Farrell is just one example of Ireland’s rich pedigree of homegrown talent. Several other Irish artists have also been nominated in major categories – including Cillian Murphy, Saoirse Ronan, and Andrew Scott – underscoring the island’s growing influence in the entertainment industry. Visitors to Ireland can check out the next generation of silver screen talent for themselves at the Irish Film Institute, which shows the latest Irish cinema releases and promotes Ireland’s film heritage at home and abroad.
Colin Farrell in the film THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN. Photo by Jonathan Hession. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2022 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.
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