Sitting down for a family movie night is always a treat, and this pick of the best Irish movies makes for great viewing. Packed with folklore, humour and imagination, there’s something here for every age group.
From clever classics to Oscar-nominated animations, this line-up of the best Irish movies is well worth working your way through. You’ll also spot some serious Hollywood talent along the way, including John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Sean Connery, Gabriel Byrne, Brendan Gleeson and Amy Adams.
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Best Irish Movies for Families
The Quiet Man
Rating: U
After accidentally killing an opponent in the ring, boxer Sean Thornton (John Wayne) leaves America and returns to his native Ireland, hoping to buy his family’s homestead and live in peace.
In doing so, he runs afoul of Will Danaher, who long coveted the property. Spitefully, Will objects when his fiery sister, Mary Kate (Maureen O’Hara), begins a romance with Sean, and refuses to hand over her dowry. Mary Kate refuses to consummate the marriage until Sean retrieves the money.
The Secret of Kells
Rating: PG
In the remote Irish woods, Cellach (Brendan Gleeson) prepares a fortress for an impending attack by a Viking war party. Unbeknown to Cellach, his young nephew Brendan (Evan McGuire) — who has no taste for battle — works secretly as an apprentice in the scriptorium of the local monastery, learning the ancient art of calligraphy. As the Vikings approach, revered illuminator Aidan (Mick Lally) arrives at the monastery and recruits Brendan to complete a series of dangerous, magical tasks.
This bewitching animated fairytale is one of the best Irish movies for children and adults alike – a vibrant retelling of the story behind Ireland’s most cherished artefact, the Book of Kells.
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Song of the Sea
Rating: PG
Song of the Sea tells the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse – the last Seal-child – who embark on a fantastic journey across a fading world of ancient legend and magic in an attempt to return to their home by the sea. The film draws on the mythological selkies of Irish folklore, who live as seals in the sea but become human on land.
Features the voices of Brendan Gleeson, Fionnula Flanagan, David Rawle, Lisa Hannigan, Pat Shortt and Jon Kenny.
WolfWalkers
Rating: PG
In a time of superstition and magic, a young apprentice hunter, Robyn Goodfellowe, journeys to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack.
While exploring the forbidden lands outside the city walls, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe rumoured to have the ability to transform into wolves by night.
As they search for Mebh’s missing mother, Robyn uncovers a secret that draws her further into the enchanted world of the WolfWalkers – and risks turning into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy.
The Luck of the Irish
Rating: PG
When Kyle loses his golden pot-of-gold charm, he discovers that he is actually part leprechaun. He must find the thief who took the charm before it can be used to take control of all the leprechauns. Along the way, Kyle discovers he’s capable of making his own luck.
Darby O’Gill and the Little People
Rating: U
Just-fired Darby O’Gill doesn’t want to tell his daughter Katie that his position has been taken by a dashing younger man (Sean Connery).
On his way home, Darby slips through a portal to the land of the little people. There he meets the leprechaun king Brian and winds up accidentally bringing the little monarch home with him. Darby then demands Brian grant him three wishes, but the request brings bittersweet and unexpected results.
The Secret of Roan Inish
Rating: PG
Fiona is a young Irish girl with an unusual family history, including a long-missing baby brother. When she goes to live with her grandparents on the west coast of Ireland, Fiona hears stories about her ancestors – tales involving mythical creatures called selkies who can shift from seal to human form.
After Fiona ends up on the small island of Roan Inish, her family’s ancestral home, she begins to believe she may have found her little brother living by the sea.
A Shine of Rainbows
Rating: PG
A lonely orphan’s life is transformed by an extraordinary woman who teaches him to conquer grief and discover the magic in nature and himself.
Maire O’Donnell has a smile that can light up the darkest room. Joyful, warm and caring, she adopts a young orphan named Tomas and whisks him off to a new home on remote Corrie Island, off the coast of Ireland. Maire shares with Tomas the joys of her island home and introduces him to the whimsical local folklore, including the secret of the seals, teaching him that everything he needs is inside him, if he really looks.
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Best Irish Movies for Tweens and Teens
Into the West
Rating: PG/12
Youngsters Ossie and Tito live with their widowed father (Gabriel Byrne), who drowns his grief in drink. Their grim existence is uplifted by the arrival of their itinerant grandfather (David Kelly), who has brought with him a magical horse from legend – Tir na nOg.
But when crooked cops discover the prized animal, they commandeer it, intending to sell it as a racing horse. Furious, the boys resolve to rescue the mythical creature.
The Mighty Celt
Rating: 12
Donal is a 14-year-old boy who develops a passion for greyhound racing. He works in a kennel owned by Good Joe, who promises Donal ownership of his favourite greyhound, The Mighty Celt, if the animal wins three races in a row.
Meanwhile, Donal’s mother Kate must adjust her life when a man from her past returns. The political climate of Ireland forms the backdrop of this story.
Leap Year
Rating: PG
When yet another anniversary passes without a marriage proposal from her boyfriend, Anna (Amy Adams) decides to take action. Aware of a Celtic tradition that allows women to pop the question on 29 February, she plans to follow her partner to Dublin and ask him to marry her.
Fate has other plans, however, and Anna winds up on the other side of the Emerald Isle with handsome, but surly, Declan – an Irishman who may just lead Anna down the road to true love.
Brooklyn
Rating: 12A
Young Irish immigrant Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan) navigates her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother’s home for the shores of New York City.
Her initial homesickness quickly diminishes as a fresh romance sweeps her into the intoxicating charm of love. But soon, her past disrupts her new life, and Eilis must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within each.
Sing Street
Rating: 12
With recession hitting Dublin hard in the 1980s, Conor is moved from his private school to a tough inner-city alternative. As he tries to adjust to a new way of life, he decides to start his own band.
Once
Rating: 15
A vacuum repairman (Glen Hansard) moonlights as a street musician, hoping for his big break. One day a Czech immigrant (Marketa Irglova), who earns a living selling flowers, approaches him with the news that she is also an aspiring singer-songwriter. The pair decide to collaborate, and the songs they compose reflect the story of their blossoming love.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Irish movies suitable for young children?
It varies from film to film, so always check the rating shown with each pick. Several titles here, like The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea and WolfWalkers, are gentle animated films rated U or PG and work well for younger children, while others in the tweens and teens section carry 12, 12A or 15 ratings and suit older kids and teens.
Which of these is best for a family movie night with younger kids?
The animated titles – The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea and WolfWalkers – tend to be the easiest watch for younger children, with beautiful visuals and stories rooted in Irish folklore.
Do I need to watch these in any particular order?
No – each film stands alone, so feel free to dip in and out of the list depending on your children’s ages and what you’re in the mood for.
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