The Most Famous Irishman, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the Irishman you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 2, 2024 07:07

In the rich tapestry of global culture, Ireland has always punched well above its weight, contributing numerous influential personalities to the world stage. From arts to science and beyond, the sons of Ireland have left indelible marks on history. However, with so many notable figures, it can be a daunting task to recognize who stands out the most in the collective memory. By participating in this live ranking, users have the unique opportunity to cast their votes and see how their viewpoints align with others. This interactive process not only sheds light on which Irish figures are the most celebrated today but also sparks conversation and deeper appreciation for Ireland's substantial contributions to global culture.

Who Is the Most Famous Irishman?

1

31
votes

Bono

Lead singer of the band U2, known for his activism and philanthropy.
2

45
votes
Andrius Petrucenia on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop) · CC BY-SA 2.0

Conor McGregor

Professional mixed martial artist and former two-division UFC champion.
Conor McGregor in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Irish boxer
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous UFC fighters
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Irish YouTuber
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous fighter
3

35
votes
Georges Biard · CC BY-SA 3.0

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson

Actor known for his roles in films such as Schindler's List and Taken.
The 'Liam Neeson' voice is a popular voice in the field of voice acting. It is known for its deep, commanding, and distinctive tone, which exudes a sense of authority and power. The voice is often associated with characters who are strong, determined, and sometimes even intimidating.

Tone: Deep and commanding

Distinctiveness: Recognizable and unique

Authority: Conveys a sense of power

Strength: Portrays characters who are strong-willed

Determination: Reflects characters who are resolute
Liam Neeson in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Liam
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Ireland
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous person in Northern Ireland
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular voice
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous action star
4

15
votes
Georges Biard · CC BY-SA 3.0

Michael Fassbender

Actor known for his roles in films such as X-Men
Michael Fassbender in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Michael Jackson
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Ireland
5

13
votes
Sebaso · CC BY-SA 3.0

Pierce Brosnan

Actor known for his role as James Bond and for his work in films such as Mamma Mia!
Pierce Brosnan in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most handsome James Bond actor
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous person in Wexford
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous James Bond
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person in Clare
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Ireland
6

14
votes
Roger Pic · Public domain

Samuel Beckett

Playwright and novelist known for works such as Waiting for Godot and Molloy.
Samuel Beckett in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous author in Ireland
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous misanthrope
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous playwright
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous person in Dublin
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Irish poet
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous person in Northern Ireland
7

8
votes
James Joyce

Author known for his novel Ulysses and his contributions to modernist literature.
James Joyce in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous author in Ireland
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person in Dublin
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Irish poet
8

3
votes
W. & D. Downey · Public domain

Oscar Wilde

Playwright, novelist, and poet known for works such as The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest.
Oscar Wilde in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous satirist in English literature
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous person in Dublin
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous convict
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous author in Ireland
- Position 10 of 10 in Most beautiful handwriting
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous author of Gothic literature
9

12
votes

George Charles Beresford · Public domain

William Butler Yeats

Poet known for his contributions to Irish literature and his Nobel Prize in Literature.
10

9
votes

Bernard Mulrenin · Public domain

Daniel O'Connell

Political leader and lawyer who campaigned for Catholic emancipation and Irish independence.

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Ranking factors for famous Irishman

Contribution to Irish culture

This can include contributions in areas such as literature, music, art, and film.
Historical significance

Some Irishmen have had a significant impact on Irish history, for example, leaders in the Irish independence movement.
International impact

Consider Irishmen who have had significant impact on the world stage, such as politicians, scientists, and sportspeople.
Popularity and recognizability

Consider how well-known the Irishman is both within Ireland and internationally.
Legacy and influence

Consider how the individual has contributed to shaping and influencing Irish culture, history, and society both in the past and present.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Irishman. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Irishman is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1911 views
175 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Irishman once every 24 hours. The rank of each Irishman is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous irishman

Ireland is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a long history of producing influential figures in the fields of literature, music, politics, and sports. When it comes to identifying the most famous Irishman, there are plenty of contenders. One of the most well-known Irishmen of all time is undoubtedly the writer and poet, Oscar Wilde. His works, including "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and "The Importance of Being Earnest," remain popular to this day and have been adapted into numerous plays, films, and TV shows. Another famous Irishman is Bono, the lead singer of the rock band U2. Known for his distinctive voice and socially conscious lyrics, Bono has become a global icon for his humanitarian work and activism. But there are many other notable Irishmen who have made significant contributions to their fields, such as James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Liam Neeson, and Conor McGregor, to name just a few. Ultimately, the question of who is the most famous Irishman is a matter of personal opinion, and there are plenty of worthy candidates to choose from.