The Irish are known for their quick wit and humorous nature. Lucky for us, that funny streak has been immortalised on film for us to enjoy when we need a laugh.
From recent sitcoms to classics of the Irish screen, these are the five funniest Irish shows you need to watch.
With quick wit and dry humour, these Irish shows are universally enjoyed. Focusing on self-deprecating humour, good-natured joked, and old-fashioned Irish sarcasm, Irish comedies truly are something special.
So, if you’re looking to spend an evening laughing so much your belly hurts, then these are the funniest Irish shows you need to watch.
- Paths to Freedom – Ireland’s original mockumentary
This noughties mockumentary first hit screens in November 2000 and quickly became a firm favourite among Irish audiences.
One of the forerunners in what is now a common comedy format, Paths to Freedom follows Jeremy (Brendan Coyle) and Rats (Michael McElhatton), two Irish men who have recently been released from Mountjoy Prison in Dublin.
The hilarious series shows the trials and tribulations of these two ex-cons as they attempt to reintegrate into society.
Full of side-splitting one-liners and hilarious, dramatic situations, Paths to Freedom is undoubtedly one of the funniest Irish shows you need to watch.
- The Young Offenders – a hilarious and heartfelt coming-of-age sitcom
One of the most recent additions to Ireland’s comedy series repertoire, The Young Offenders has quickly become one of the funniest Irish comedies to hit screens.
Following the stories of Cork teens, Conor (Alex Murphy) and Jock (Chris Walley), this coming-of-age sitcom was adapted from Peter Foott’s 2016 IFTA-winning film of the same name.
First airing on RTÉ and BBC Three in 2018, the series has enjoyed three seasons so far, and with proving such a hit, it is hoped fans can see a fourth coming too.
While the laughs prove entertaining, it is the touching and thought-provoking feelings the two boys share about different topics affecting young people that has caused the show to resonate so deeply with its audience.
- Mrs Brown’s Boys – playing on the stereotype of the Irish mammy
Starring the hilarious Brendan O’Carroll as the loudmouthed but loveable Irish mammy Mrs (Agnes) Brown, Mrs Brown’s Boys has proved a hit with Irish audiences of all ages.
Since first airing in 2011, the series has enjoyed five successful seasons and numerous Christmas specials. In Ireland, it has become somewhat of a festive tradition for families to sit down on Christmas Day to watch the hilarious festive episode.
The show is a tongue-in-cheek take on the Irish stereotype of nosiness as we see Mrs Brown meddle in the lives of her friends, family, and acquaintances.
Most of the action takes place within Mrs Brown’s living room or kitchen, but it’s the dialogue and breaking of the third wall that truly elevates this series to comedy gold.
With hilarious scenes, dry, sarcastic humour, and loveable typical Irish characters, Mrs Brown’s Boys is certainly one of the funniest Irish shows you need to watch.
- Father Ted – an Irish comedy classic
No list of hilarious Irish TV shows would be complete without mentioning the classic 90s sitcom, Father Ted.
Set on Craggy Island, Father Ted follows the lives of three priests who seem to have a penchant for getting themselves into sticky situations.
Although the series aired for only three years (1995 to 1998), it has lived on in the hearts of not only Irish people but a devoted audience around the world.
It’s not only the main cast of characters that makes this show so special – still, we must admit we do have a soft spot for Fathers Ted, Dougal, and Jack.
With plenty of cameos from some of the most well-known Irish celebs of the 90s, including Graham Norton, Tommy Tiernan, Pat Laffan, and many others, Father Ted is loved by all.
- Derry Girls – a must-watch
Topping our list of funniest Irish shows you need to watch is the Northern Irish sitcom Derry Girls.
Following the lives of four teen girls and one boy growing up in 90s Derry at the height of the Troubles, this show is as heartfelt as it is hilarious.
The five friends find themselves in plenty of sticky situations, but together they time and time again manage to weasel their way out.
For anyone who has grown up in Northern Ireland, you will be able to recognise the personalities of each of the characters in your own life.
With the third and final season set to hit our screens this year, we can’t wait to see what is next to come from our favourite Derry Girls.
