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The best Irish films to watch this Christmas

From classics to new films.

THERE ARE LOTS of great Irish films available to stream, so why not give some love to homegrown movies this festive season?

Rialto

  • Volta.ie

Madman Films / YouTube

This recent Irish film sees Tom Vaughan Lawlor play a married man in Dublin who falls for a young male sex worker. This low-key movie explores the impact of what happens on him and his family. 

Sea Fever

  • Volta.ie

Zero Media / YouTube

Neasa Hardiman directs this thriller, which is one for fans of Alien and The Thing. A young scientist goes on board a trawler in the Irish sea to do some research – but then something strange starts to invade the vessel…

Extra Ordinary

  • Netflix

Movie Trailers Source / YouTube

This absolutely gas Irish comedy stars Maeve Higgins as a woman called Rose who can see and communicate with ghosts. Then Rose gets introduced to Martin (Barry Ward), whose daughter is being used in a Satanic pact concocted by a former rock star (Will Forte). Off the wall and very entertaining.

Michael Inside

  • Volta.ie

WildCard Distribution / YouTube

This incredibly moving film is about a young teenager, Michael (Dafhyd Flynn) who ends up in jail after minding drugs for a schoolmate’s brother. Through his story, we get an insight into life in Irish jail, and the impact that judgements about your class and social background can have on your prospects.

Viva

  • Volta.ie

Movieclips Indie / YouTube

Mark O’Halloran wrote this Cuban-set story about a young drag performer who tries to bond with his macho dad. Directed by the great Paddy Breathnach.

A Date For Mad Mary

  • Volta.ie

Element Pictures Distribution / YouTube

This brilliant film stars Seana Kerslake as Mary, a young woman who spends some time in jail and then has to return home to a town where everyone knows her reputation. As she feels ostracised by her soon-to-be-married best mate, her friendship with a newcomer starts to change things around for her.

The Crying Game

  • IFI@Home

Movieclips Classic Trailers / YouTube

If you haven’t seen this 1992 Neil Jordan classic, now’s your chance. The always great Stephen Rea stars as Fergus, an IRA man who takes a British soldier captive. The ‘reveal’ in this film hasn’t aged well, so be warned, but the rest of the film is excellently told.

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6 Comments
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    Mute William Flynn
    Favourite William Flynn
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    Dec 25th 2020, 3:02 PM

    Michael Inside is worth a watch for sure.

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    Mute liam ward60
    Favourite liam ward60
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    Dec 25th 2020, 2:04 PM

    Is there not enough repeated repeats rubbish on the home channels besides having to look for more we ve already seen

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    Mute EnKy
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    Dec 25th 2020, 2:18 PM

    @liam ward60: Try some festive cheer instead, pal. It’s much better.

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    Mute Jonathan Nolan
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    Dec 25th 2020, 11:56 PM

    Rialto….. Rialto Raaaaaaaadio

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    Mute Thiago Schmitz
    Favourite Thiago Schmitz
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    Dec 27th 2020, 6:07 PM

    Maybe not for Christmas, but two other nice Irish movies:
    Angela’s ashes
    Bad day for the cut

    Both available on Netflix.

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    Mute Declan Clancy
    Favourite Declan Clancy
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    Dec 26th 2020, 10:43 PM

    Dating Amber on Amazon is very good too

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