Put down that green beer and step away from the leprechaun decorations! This St. Patrick’s Day, why not dive deeper into Irish culture and history through the magic of cinema? From ancient Celtic warriors to modern Dublin streets, these ten films offer windows into different aspects of the Irish experience. So gather your friends, prepare some proper Irish snacks (not just corned beef!), and settle in for a movie marathon that goes beyond the stereotypes.
1. “The Secret of Kells” (2009)
This stunning animated masterpiece takes you back to 9th century Ireland when Viking raids threatened Irish monasteries and their precious manuscripts. The film follows young Brendan, an apprentice at the monastery of Kells, who becomes involved in the creation of the legendary Book of Kells—one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures.
With its distinctive animation style inspired by Celtic art and illuminated manuscripts, “The Secret of Kells” brings early medieval Ireland to vibrant life. The film beautifully weaves together Christian themes with elements of pre-Christian Irish mythology, reflecting the cultural fusion that characterized early Irish Christianity. It’s a magical introduction to Ireland’s artistic heritage and early history that will enchant viewers of all ages.
Why it’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day: The film directly connects to St. Patrick’s legacy, as the monasteries and manuscript tradition it celebrates grew from the foundations he established in Ireland.
2. “Michael Collins” (1996)
For those looking to understand modern Ireland, few historical figures are as pivotal as Michael Collins. This biopic starring Liam Neeson chronicles Collins’ role in Ireland’s struggle for independence from Britain in the early 20th century, the subsequent Irish Civil War, and his tragic assassination in 1922.
Director Neil Jordan crafts a compelling narrative that explains the complex political situation that led to Ireland’s partition and the establishment of the Irish Free State. While taking some dramatic liberties, the film provides valuable insights into the revolutionary period that shaped modern Ireland and the legacy of conflict that would impact Irish politics for generations.
Why it’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day: The film helps viewers understand why Irish identity and independence remain such powerful themes in Irish culture, both on the island and throughout the diaspora.
3. “The Wind That Shakes the Barley” (2006)
Ken Loach’s Palme d’Or-winning drama delves into one of the most turbulent periods in Irish history—the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921) and the subsequent Civil War (1922-1923). The story follows two brothers who join the IRA to fight against British forces, only to find themselves on opposite sides when the Anglo-Irish Treaty divides the independence movement.
What makes this film exceptional is its attention to historical detail and its unflinching examination of the complex moral questions faced by those involved in the struggle. Through intimate, personal stories, the film illustrates how national conflicts tear apart communities and families.
Why it’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day: It provides crucial context for understanding 20th-century Irish history and the deep divisions that continued to affect Ireland long after independence.
4. “Brooklyn” (2015)
This tender adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s novel captures the Irish immigrant experience through the story of Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), a young woman who leaves her small Irish town in the 1950s to seek opportunity in America. Her journey between two worlds—the traditional Ireland she leaves behind and the promising but disorienting Brooklyn she encounters—embodies the experience of millions of Irish emigrants.
“Brooklyn” beautifully depicts both the heart-wrenching homesickness and the liberating possibilities that characterized the Irish diaspora experience. The film avoids both sentimentality and cynicism, instead offering a nuanced portrait of how immigration shapes identity.
Why it’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day: It reminds us that St. Patrick’s Day celebrations outside Ireland connect to the very real experiences of the Irish diaspora and their search for belonging in new lands.
5. “The Commitments” (1991)
Based on Roddy Doyle’s novel, this exuberant comedy follows a group of working-class Dubliners who form a soul band, billing themselves as “The Saviors of Soul.” Beyond its infectious energy and fantastic soundtrack, the film offers a vibrant portrait of Dublin in the late 1980s, capturing the city’s economic challenges, distinctive humor, and cultural aspirations.
“The Commitments” showcases the urban Irish experience rarely depicted in films that favor rural nostalgia. Its raw portrayal of Dublin’s northside, with its unemployment and limited opportunities, is balanced by the infectious optimism of its characters and their belief in the transcendent power of music.
Why it’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day: It presents a modern, urban vision of Ireland far removed from pastoral stereotypes, with a soundtrack that will have everyone dancing.
6. “Hunger” (2008)
Steve McQueen’s unflinching drama recounts the 1981 hunger strike led by Irish republican prisoner Bobby Sands (Michael Fassbender) in Northern Ireland’s Maze Prison. The film provides a visceral understanding of “The Troubles”—the violent conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted from the late 1960s until the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
Through its minimalist approach and extraordinary performances, “Hunger” conveys the political and personal dimensions of the conflict without resorting to simplistic narratives. The famous 17-minute single-take scene featuring a conversation between Sands and a priest offers one of cinema’s most compelling explorations of political resistance and its costs.
Why it’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day: It illuminates a crucial chapter in recent Irish history that has shaped contemporary politics on the island.
7. “Once” (2007)
This low-budget musical tells the story of a Dublin street musician and a Czech immigrant who meet and collaborate on songs over the course of a week. Shot on the streets of Dublin with handheld cameras, “Once” captures the city’s everyday rhythms and creative energy while telling a poignant story about connection, music, and missed opportunities.
The film’s Academy Award-winning song “Falling Slowly” and its naturalistic performances create an intimate portrait of contemporary Dublin as a multicultural, artistic city. It shows Ireland not as a place frozen in time but as a modern European nation engaged with global influences.
Why it’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day: It represents the creative vitality of modern Ireland and its capital city, showcasing Irish music beyond traditional forms.
8. “The Quiet Man” (1952)
No Irish film list would be complete without John Ford’s romantic comedy-drama starring John Wayne as an American boxer who returns to his ancestral village in Ireland. Yes, it’s full of stereotypes and romanticized notions of rural Ireland—but it’s also a fascinating time capsule that reveals how Ireland was perceived in mid-20th century America.
Watching “The Quiet Man” today offers an opportunity to reflect on how Irish identity has been constructed and represented in popular culture. Its gorgeous Technicolor landscapes of Connemara certainly fueled tourism to western Ireland, and many of its lines have become ingrained in Irish-American cultural memory.
Why it’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day: It allows viewers to examine the romanticized vision of Ireland that has shaped many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, while enjoying a classic film that remains entertaining despite (or because of) its dated elements.
9. “In the Name of the Father” (1993)
Jim Sheridan’s powerful drama tells the true story of the Guildford Four, who were falsely convicted of an IRA bombing in 1974. Centered on the relationship between Gerry Conlon (Daniel Day-Lewis) and his father Giuseppe (Pete Postlethwaite), the film explores the grave injustices committed during Britain’s anti-terrorism campaigns and the devastating impact of The Troubles on innocent lives.
While taking some dramatic liberties with the historical record, “In the Name of the Father” compellingly illustrates how the conflict in Northern Ireland corrupted the justice system and destroyed lives on all sides. Its themes of wrongful conviction and the fight for justice remain universally relevant.
Why it’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day: It reminds viewers of the human cost of sectarian conflict and the complex legacy of Anglo-Irish relations.
10. “Song of the Sea” (2014)
From the same studio that created “The Secret of Kells,” this breathtaking animated film draws on Irish folklore—specifically the legend of the selkies, mythological beings who live as seals in the sea but shed their skins to become human on land. It follows the story of Ben and his mute sister Saoirse, who must embark on a journey to save the spirit world.
“Song of the Sea” serves as a gorgeous introduction to Irish mythology and showcases the continuing relevance of traditional stories in contemporary Irish culture. Its stunning visuals are inspired by Celtic art, while its narrative touches on themes of loss, family, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Why it’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day: It connects viewers to the rich pre-Christian mythological traditions of Ireland that continue to influence Irish cultural expression.
Honorable Mentions:
- “The Crying Game” (1992) – Neil Jordan’s thriller that intertwines The Troubles with questions of identity and perception
- “Calvary” (2014) – A dark comedy-drama examining faith and forgiveness in post-Catholic abuse scandal Ireland
- “The Guard” (2011) – A comedic thriller showcasing Irish wit and the complexity of rural Irish life
- “Ondine” (2009) – A modern fairy tale drawing on selkie mythology in contemporary Ireland
- “Philomena” (2013) – Based on the true story of a woman’s search for her son, taken from her by a Catholic convent in 1950s Ireland
So this St. Patrick’s Day, before (or after) the parade and festivities, consider exploring Irish culture through these films that offer insights far deeper than shamrocks and leprechauns. From ancient myths to contemporary Dublin streets, they showcase the complexity, challenges, and enduring creativity of the island and its people. Sláinte!
Author: jonathan
Jonathan is the publisher of Irishtopia.net, Anglotopia.net, and Londontopia.net. He's passionate about travel and learning about other cultures. He's been to Ireland several times, and uses his travel expertise for Irishtopia!
