Happy Saint Patrick’s day to you all. I am well aware that this little corner of the world is best known for its drinking, but maybe you are not in the mood to drink today. So I thought I’d give you a list of ten of my favourite Irish films. This is not a comprehensive list, but it may be a good place to start.

10: The Secret of Kells

Created by Cartoon Saloon, who, among other things, have worked on Star Wars” Visions. The Secret of Kells is fuctional telling of one of Irelands’ great national treasures. It’s a breathtaking watch and will take you back to the golden age of animation.

9: Hunger

Hunger just about pushed In the Name of the Father off my list, but I felt its raw brutality made it a better watch. Hunger tells the story of Irish Republican Bobby Sands and his Hunger strike that would eventually lead to his death. It is a heavy watch, but with great direction and fantastic acting, it is hard to take your eyes away.

8. Darby O’Gill & The Little People

Now, this is an old one, and it definitely looks dated, but a little nostalgia goes a long way. A wily old codger matches wits with the King of the Leprechauns and helps play matchmaker for his daughter and the strapping lad who has taken his place.

7. The Committments

The story of a working class, Dubliner, putting together his own Jazz band. Weird concept, but so so good.

6. The War of the Buttons

Based on a French book, the story is about a turf war between boys from a working class town and those from a middle-class town. It’s very funny, but it can be deeply serious. Though under all that is concepts of how war can divide people who should by all rights be the best of friends.

5. Sing Street

The classic story of a young lad falling for a girl, then forming a band to impress her. But with the Irish wit that we are often known for.

4. The Quiet Man

If I didn’t put this in the top 5, my father would disown me. Look, it’s John Wayne in Ireland and has one of the longest fight scenes in film history.

3. Once

I was obsessed with this film and soundtrack when it first came out. And for a film about music it is surprisingly subtle and soft. It’s just wonderful.

2. The Wind That Shakes the Barley

Beating out Micheal Collins, I chose this film because it shows a different side to war. The wind that shakes the Barley is during the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921) and the Irish Civil War (1922–1923).

1. The Guard

And this had to be number one pick. It‘s dark, silly, ridiculous, and just very Irish. This is not your typical buddy cop movie, and is one of my all-time favourites