7 Irish TV shows to watch on St Patrick's Day

On St. Patrick’s Day, everyone can embrace a bit of Irish spirit, but if you truly want to experience the culture of the Emerald Isle before the big celebration, these Ireland-set shows are the perfect way to do it.

Ireland may be small, but it has a big impact on pop culture, especially when it comes to great television. From the hilarious coming-of-age comedy Derry Girls to the intense psychological thriller The Fall and this year’s critically acclaimed historical drama Say Nothing, there’s a show for every taste. Whether you’re in the mood for laughs, suspense, or a deep dive into history, this watchlist has something to transport you straight to Ireland.

If you’re looking to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with more than just green beer, why not dive into some great TV instead? These seven must-watch shows, set in Ireland and Northern Ireland, will bring the spirit of the Emerald Isle straight to your screen and get you in the perfect mood for March 17.

If you're craving even more authentic stories from the Emerald Isle, there are plenty of incredible Irish movies to explore. You can find them on top streaming platforms like Max, Prime Video, and Apple TV. So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and enjoy a cinematic journey through Ireland. Sláinte!

'Normal People'

Based on Sally Rooney’s best-selling novel, Normal People is an emotional romance that had audiences completely captivated. This Hulu series introduced Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones in their breakout roles as Connell Waldron, a popular athlete, and Marianne Sheridan, a shy and intelligent outsider. Mescal’s heartfelt performance even earned him an Emmy nomination.

The story follows their deep and complicated relationship, beginning in secondary school in County Sligo and continuing through their university years at Dublin’s Trinity College.

With a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, critics praised the series for its intimate storytelling and powerful performances. As the site’s consensus puts it, Normal People is both “intimate and illuminating,” bringing the novel’s emotional depth to life beautifully.

Watch on Hulu

'Bad Sisters'

The Apple TV+ series Bad Sisters is a perfect blend of dark comedy and mystery, earning widespread acclaim. Its debut season holds an impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has won a Peabody Award, along with BAFTA and IFTA awards for Best Drama Series.

The show follows the five Garvey sisters: Eva (played by Sharon Horgan, who also co-created the series), Grace (Anne-Marie Duff), Ursula (Eva Birthistle), Bibi (Sarah Greene), and Becka (Eve Hewson). Their lives take a dramatic turn when Grace’s abusive husband, JP (Claes Bang), dies under mysterious circumstances. Soon, the sisters find themselves caught in a tense investigation, as an insurance agent (Daryl McCormack) becomes determined to prove they were involved in his death.

With its gripping plot and sharp humor, Bad Sisters is a must-watch.

Watch on Apple TV+

Derry Girls

An instant classic, Derry Girls won hearts with its hilarious and relatable coming-of-age stories set against the backdrop of 1990s Londonderry during the final years of the Troubles. The series follows Erin (Saoirse-Monica Jackson), her quirky cousin Orla (Louisa Harland), the studious Clare (Nicola Coughlan), the rebellious Michelle (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell), and their unfortunate English friend James (Dylan Llewellyn).

Created by Lisa McGee and inspired by her own experiences growing up in Derry, the show blends humor and history effortlessly. Across three seasons, viewers follow the gang through teenage misadventures—from school dances and awkward crushes to Take That concerts and their run-ins with the sharp-tongued Sister George Michael (Siobhán McSweeney).

Watch on Netflix

Love/Hate

Often described as Ireland’s answer to The Wire, Love/Hate is a gripping crime drama that takes viewers deep into Dublin’s criminal underworld. Over five seasons, the IFTA-winning series follows gang leader John Boy Power (Aidan Gillen) and his crew—Nidge (Tom Vaughan-Lawlor), Darren (Robert Sheehan), and Tommy (Killian Scott)—as they navigate power struggles, betrayals, and violent turf wars.

The story kicks off with the assassination of Darren’s brother Robbie (Chris Newman), which sparks a chain of deadly events, intensifying tensions between rival gangs and leaving a lasting impact on the city.

Watch on Amazon Prime Video

The Fall

Before Jamie Dornan became a Hollywood heartthrob in Fifty Shades of Grey, he gave a chilling performance as serial killer Paul Spector in The Fall. This psychological thriller follows Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson), who is brought in from London’s Metropolitan Police to hunt down Spector before he claims more victims in Belfast.

Created by Allan Cubitt, this gripping three-season drama keeps audiences on edge with its intense cat-and-mouse chase, psychological depth, and outstanding performances.

Watch on Netflix

Say Nothing

Based on Patrick Radden Keefe’s best-selling book, Say Nothing is a powerful FX-Hulu limited series that explores the decades-long conflict known as the Troubles. Spanning four decades, the series begins in the early 1970s with the abduction and murder of Jean McConville, a single mother falsely accused of being an informant for British forces.

Alongside this harrowing event, the series delves into the lives of key figures in the IRA, including sisters Dolours and Marian Price (Lola Petticrew and Hazel Doupe), future Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams (Josh Finan), and IRA commander Brendan Hughes (Anthony Boyle). With a gripping narrative and historical depth, Say Nothing offers an unforgettable look at one of Ireland’s most turbulent periods.

Watch on Hulu

Moone Boy

Created by Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids, The IT Crowd), Moone Boy is a heartwarming and hilarious semi-autobiographical sitcom set in late 1980s and early ‘90s Ireland. The story follows 12-year-old Martin Moone (David Rawle), a daydreaming boy from County Roscommon, who navigates childhood with the help of his sarcastic, banjo-playing imaginary friend Seah (played by O’Dowd).

With a fantastic supporting cast, including Deirdre O’Kane and Peter McDonald as Martin’s chaotic parents, the series delivers a perfect blend of nostalgia, comedy, and heartfelt moments. The show ran for three seasons on Sky One and earned O’Dowd multiple Irish Film and Television Award nominations for acting, writing, and directing.

Watch on Peacock