Over the years Ireland and Irish culture has helped to inspire many different aspects of people’s lives. Not only has Ireland inspired novels but also TV shows, films, and music. For fans of casino gaming, the famous ‘luck of the Irish’ has been harnessed to theme a range of titles like the Irish Riches jackpot slot over at Pink Casino. There have also been many famous actors and actresses that are Irish too, who have starred in many world-famous TV shows and films including Saoirse Ronan, Cillian Murphy, and more.
For many years now great TV shows and films have been released that are based on novels. Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Twilight, are just some popular book series that have become big hit movie franchises.
This year there have already been some great books by Irish novelists published, such as Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan. If you want to watch some great TV shows and films that are based on Irish novels, then here are some entertaining ones that you can check out right now.
Normal People (2020)
Based on Normal People by Sally Rooney
Published in 2019, Normal People by Sally Rooney has been praised by many and has received numerous awards and nominations. During the time of its publication the novel won Waterstones Fiction Book of the Month for May. The book was also longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, the Dylan Thomas Prize, and for the Women’s Prize for Fiction over the past couple of years.
Currently available on BBC iPlayer, the Normal People TV show stars Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones as main characters Connell and Marrianne. Set between their family homes in County Sligo and their university lives in Dublin, audiences get to see their lives intertwine over the years.
The TV series follows the two through their friendship and relationship from the end of secondary school to their undergraduate years at Trinity College. Over twelve episodes, audiences get to see both actors in emotional scenes as they celebrate achievements, gain new friendships, and also experience heartbreak and loss.
Dublin Murders (2019 – )
Based on the Dublin Murder Squad books by Tana French
Created by Sarah Phelps, Dublin Murders is an Irish TV show that is based on the Dublin Murder Squad books by author Tana French. The first season of the TV show is adapted from two of her books, The Likeness and In The Woods. Starring Sarah Green and Killian Scott, this crime drama thriller has many twists and turns throughout the series.
The show features homicide detectives who end up in a much darker situation that comes with choices that can jeopardize their friendships. Set in various locations in Ireland such as Bangor, Dublin, and Belfast, this gripping crime thriller is a must-watch Irish TV show right now.
Brooklyn (2015)
Based on Brooklyn by Colm Toibin
If you’re a fan of romantic dramas, then Brooklyn is one fantastic film for you to check out right now. The story is based on the novel Brooklyn by Colm Toibin and directed by John Crowley.
The films are based on a story about an Irish girl who makes her way to New York for a new life, but things don’t go as anticipated. Most of her time is mainly spent on a simple Irish-American establishment in Brooklyn. Her Catholic influence is also portrayed in the film to show the place where she comes from and how she is unwilling to integrate into American society, leaving her Irish culture behind.
Nominated for four Academy Awards so far, Brooklyn stars Irish-American actress Saoirse Ronan in the leading role of Ellis. It also stars well known Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson in a supporting role. In 2016, the film was nominated for three Academy Awards for Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Actress in a Leading Role, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Room (2015)
Based on Room by Emma Donoghue
Room is an independent drama film that is based on the 2010 novel of the same name written by Irish-Canadian novelist Emma Donoghue. The film is based on a story about a mother, Ma and her journey with her son Jack who is just five years old.
Living within the confines of a kidnapper for seven years, Jack doesn’t understand the situation since he has not been exposed to the outside world. As he grows, his mother sees an opportunity to escape from their kidnapper, but the outside world would seem confusing once they are out there.
Starring Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay, the film received an Academy Award in 2016 for Brie Larson’s performance as an actress in a leading role.
