Ireland’s top ten comedians – SEE VIDEOS

From the nation know worldwide for its wit – the countries greatest comics

CATHY HAYES,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Wednesday, February 2, 2011, 7:54 AM

Updated Wednesday, February 2, 2011, 10:28 AM

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Ardal O'Hanlon

This man needs no introduction having made it to international fame with his role as Father Dougal Maguire in the brilliant “Father Ted” sitcom. He is also one of the father’s of Dublin’s now vibrant comedy scene. O’Hanlon, along with Kevin Gildea and Barry Murphy set up the International Comedy Club in the early 1990s. He remains one of Ireland’s favorite comedians over 20 years on.

Neil Delamere

Delamare is a cheeky chap from Offaly who started his career back in 2004 at the Edinburgh Festival and Ireland quickly fell in love with him. He has since become a regular on various panel shows such as “The Panel” and had his own show “The Republic of Telly” for some time. This man cannot keep up with his audience. The venues just keep selling out.

PJ Gallagher

Is a brilliant stand up comedian but has become best known for his TV show “Naked Camera”. The program is essentially about Gallagher dressing up as various characters and annoying the heart and soul out of members of the public on the street. He has become on of Ireland’s most recognized comedians and most loved. Ryan Tubridy was quoted as being “an inspiration to aspiring Irish actors and comedians…if PJ can do it it gives us all hope”.

David O'Doherty

O’Doherty, Ireland’s comedian with “very mild super powers” started his comedy career in 1998 and has since performed around the world. He has also received numerous awards and has turned his hand to writing with the hilarious book “100 Facts about Pandas” and “100 Facts about Sharks”. He recently had a run of sellout gigs along with the “Flight of the Conchords”.

Kevin McAleer

McAleer is undeniably a dead-pan comic genius. He began prominent on the comedy scene through RTE’s “Nighthawks” in the 1980s. He became known for his sketches about going up in County Tryone. He continues to write novels and newspapers column from him home in Tryone but he remains one of Ireland’s best loved stand ups.

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Mairin67 | Feb 03, 2011, 02:49 PM EST

I love Hal Roach and Conal Gallen. They are probably old school, not contemporary comedians.

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oldboreen | Feb 03, 2011, 08:30 AM EST

These are professional comedians doing it for money-you expect them to make you laugh(though not always!)Irish wit, engagingly droll,sometimes irreverant,is by no means confined to the well known names mentioned, many of whom, if not all,rely heavily on gag writers for a great deal of their material. Listen to the conversation in any real Irish bar, or at a wake even,and you'll hear a genuine humour/humor that is part of our DNA make-up. We are a naturally witty people, despite our largely justified reputation for melancholia. But we are also resilient, as our history proves. In short folks, we are all comedians!

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CarolineRyan | Feb 03, 2011, 04:19 AM EST

Cathy - these are all men! What about Sheila-M? And Pauline McLynn--without whom Irish comedy would be at a real loss, and I don't only mean her Father Ted role. What about The Nualas??? and Michele Read? -- both are on the brilliant DVD, The Cream of Irish Comedy. Are you MAD, woman? Have you got it in your head that only Irish MEN can be funny? These women are brilliant, and fair play to em all! There - I'm done now. :>D

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PolinDeB | Feb 03, 2011, 12:11 AM EST

@antoman Yeah... what about the old guys.. Halls pictorial weekly and the Dermot Morgan's wonderful Fr Trendy ;0

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PolinDeB | Feb 03, 2011, 12:10 AM EST

Dylan Moran - no question...

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dianeejohnson | Feb 02, 2011, 10:05 PM EST

Love Ardal O'Hanlon!

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dessieglynn | Feb 02, 2011, 01:43 PM EST

jimmy o'dea was the daddy of them all.