8 Most Talented Irish Actors ...

1. Colin Farrell

Colin Farrell is probably the most prominent among all the talented Irish actors working in the US. He's appeared in many films, both in Hollywood and elsewhere. Put aside his bad boy reputation and enjoy some great performances. In Phone Booth, Farrell pretty much had to carry the movie, which is demanding for an actor.

2. Brendan Gleeson

He might not quite qualify for the "gorgeous" tag, but Brendan Gleeson is grabbing some meaty roles. He's popped up in movies as diverse as the Harry Potter series, 28 Days Later, and Gangs of New York. Check out the black comedy In Bruges, where he plays alongside Colin Farrell.

3. Liam Neeson

Younger readers will know Liam Neeson from the Star Wars prequels. Those of you who are a little bit older will undoubtedly have seen many of his other excellent performances. Check out Schindler's List, Taken and Darkman, to name just a few of his movies.

4. Cillian Murphy

You may have seen Cillian Murphy in the Dark Knight films, but he has far more movies to his credit. Murphy first came to attention in 28 Days Later, and has played a versatile range of characters since then. Check out Breakfast on Pluto for one of his more unusual roles.

5. Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Fans of The Tudors will be more than familiar with Jonathan Rhys Meyers' talents! Although rather too young to play King Henry until the end of his life, it was certainly an interesting performance. Check out Bend It Like Beckham, Match Point, and my own favorite, Velvet Goldmine.

6. Peter O' Toole

Widely considered to be one of the greatest actors of all time, Peter O'Toole is also a famous hellraiser. However, this does not detract from the impressive body of work he has created. His best known film is of course Laurence of Arabia, but fans of The Tudors will remember him as the Pope who annoyed Jonathan Rhys Meyers …

7. Gabriel Byrne

If you like older men and you like Irish actors, then you may well have a thing for Gabriel Byrne. Not familiar with his work? Watch him on screen and you'll soon be a fan! Suggested movies: Miller's Crossing, The Usual Suspects, and Enemy of the State.

8. Michael Fassbender

In spite of his German surname, Michael Fassbender has an Irish mother. So that qualifies him for inclusion in this list! Fassbender's star is very much on the rise, with acclaimed performances in Prometheus and A Dangerous Method. He's been around for some time though, and has played everyone from Mr Rochester in Jane Eyre to the young Magneto in X-Men: First Class.

This collection of excellent Irish actors should show how much talent the Emerald Isle has produced! There are many more, of course, so I had to leave out a lot of great actors. A lot of them have made it big in Hollywood, and there are sure to be many more emerging in the future. Who is your favorite Irish star?