Hollywood's sexiest Irish men

The hottest on-screen Irish hunks

Published Thursday, March 26, 2009, 8:07 AM

Updated Thursday, July 23, 2009, 5:54 PM

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Irish Hollywood hunk Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Photo by Julien Behal/PA

View our gallery of the top Irish Hollywood hunks

From Colin Farrell to Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Hollywood has introduced us to some of the sexiest stars alive – and they just happen to be Irish and Irish American.

There are standout native Irishmen like Pierce Brosnan, and hot Irish Americans like Josh Hartnett.

This is IrishCentral's list of the top 10 Hollywood hunks.

1. Colin Farrell

Colin Farrell is not just a pretty face within Hollywood’s elite – he’s now a Golden Globe winner with his performance in “In Bruges.” This Dubliner has got the looks and the talent

2. Patrick Dempsey

They don’t call him “McDreamy” for nothin’. Patrick Dempsey of the hit show “Grey’s Anatomy” is an Irish American from Maine – and we’re proud to call him one of our own

3. Pierce Brosnan

Arguably the best James Bond there ever was, Pierce Brosnan is dark, handsome – and Irish. The Co. Louth native is a bona fide Hollywood A-lister, appearing in blockbusters like “The Thomas Crown Affair” and most recently, “Mamma Mia!”

4. Jonathan Rhys Meyers

He may be a bit of a bad boy (he was arrested in 2007 on charges of public drunkenness and breach of the peace and has attended rehab more than once…), but this Dublin-born “Tudors” actor and Boss model is heads above the rest when it comes to Irish star quality - and Irish good looks

5. George Clooney

Voted “Sexiest Man Alive” on more than one occasion, George Clooney is one of the most dapper Irish Americans in Hollywood. The Academy Award winning actor is not just sexy for his good looks – but also for his charitable work around the globe

6. Cillian Murphy

His windswept hair, his piercing blue eyes, his constant brooding expression – this Co. Cork native is both a successful actor (in Ireland as the leadingman in “The Wind that Shakes the Barley,” and in the U.S. in films like “Red Eye” and “Batman Begins”) and a hunk

7. Gabriel Byrne

The star of the hit HBO show “In Treatment” may not be as young as some of the other Hollywood actors on the list, but he’s just as handsome. Dublin-born Gabriel Byrne is known for great performances in “Miller’s Crossing” and “The Usual Suspects,” and for his classic Irish good looks

8. John Stamos

Sure, when most people think of the sexy John Stamos, they think Greek, but Stamos’ mother is an Irish emigrant. The half-Irish hunk was the star of the beloved show “Full House,” and is just about to end his run as the handsome Dr. Tony Gates on “ER”

9. Josh Hartnett

One of Irish America’s hottest young stars, Josh Hartnett is the star of movies like “Pearl Harbor” and “30 Days of Night.” The Hollywood hunk can next be seen in “Bunraku” with Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson

10. Mark Wahlberg

His former rapping career as Marky Mark aside, Mark Wahlberg is one of Hollywood’s top actors. The Boston native of Irish descent is blessed with striking good looks – and a great career, appearing in hit films such as “Boogie Nights,” “The Italian Job” and “The Departed”