The Best Irish Movies and Shows To Connect With Your Culture

From lighthearted family movies to gripping thrillers, Irish cinema offers something for everyone. Here is a list of the best Irish movies and shows to connect with your culture.

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The Best Irish Movies and Shows To Connect With Your Culture

What we learn in school is often only the top of the historical iceberg. It takes personal responsibility and motivation to learn about one’s heritage and history truly.

I think it’s important to intentionally seek to learn and understand the history of your background and culture. I’ve compiled a list of five ways you can do just that.

Read
Watch
Reflect
Discuss
Visit

The important thing is to be intentional about your celebration. Choose books, events, and conversations to take part in. Make a conscious decision to seek out information. You won’t regret it, and your life will be richer.

Derry Girls

Derry Girls is a delightfully funny show about a group of Irish Catholic schoolgirls (and James, an English outcast) who navigate growing up during The Troubles in the 1990s. Derry Girls is the perfect example of a comedy with a mixture of laughter, historical tragedy, and heart. | Stream on Netflix

Calvary

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Brendan Gleeson, Chris O'Dowd, Kelly Reilly (Actors)

Calvary

From the older brother of Martin McDonagh (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and In Bruges) comes a black comedy about a moral priest in an immoral church. Acclaimed Irish actor Brendan Gleeson plays a priest who receives a death threat and has seven days to determine if he needs to take it seriously. This one is rated R, and take that rating seriously.

In America

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Paddy Considine, Samantha Morton, Sarah Bolger (Actors)

In America

As a coming-of-age story for a mature family, In America tells the tale of a family who moves from Ireland to NYC. It includes all the struggles that come with such a massive shift. Based partially on the life of director Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot, In the Name of the Father), this film is heartwarming without pulling any punches.

Hunger

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Michael Fassbender, Liam Cunningham, Stuart Graham (Actors)

Hunger

Michael Fassbender gives it his all in this Steve McQueen film based on a hunger strike in a Northern Ireland prison. Its historical connotations make this a difficult but riveting viewing experience.

Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Bobby Hodges, Amy-Mae Dolan (Actors)

Riverdance

Released in 2021, Riverdance is an animated Irish adventure for the whole family. The movie serves as a beautiful tribute to the dance made famous by Ireland’s 1994 act at the Eurovision Song Contest. Your kids will undoubtedly want to do this dance themselves, so you can learn more about Irish dancing and keep your kids active!

With movies for the family and films for adults, Irish cinema is truly a marvel. Use this list of the best Irish movies and shows to connect with your culture and start watching great cinema.

If you enjoyed this list of movies, I have a monthly membership for parents and educators that want to teach or supplement lessons with shows and movies.

“I absolutely love sharing movies with my kids as a way to teach them valuable lessons. It's like this awesome bonding experience where we all snuggle up on the couch with some popcorn, and I get to see their little faces light up with curiosity. Whether it's a classic with timeless morals or a new animated flick with hidden gems of wisdom, it's a fantastic way to impart important life lessons in a fun and engaging way. Plus, the post-movie discussions are priceless – hearing their take on the characters and the story adds a whole new dimension to our family time.” –a Homeschooling parent

With Homeschooling with Shows and Movies membership, you will get resources every month, including: