The best Irish shows to stream right now

Ready to discover your new favourite show? Whether you fancy comedy, heart-felt romance, forbidden romance, crime orrrr a sitcom we’ve got all the best Irish show’s right here on Freely! From iconic actors to brilliant writers and creators, Ireland delivers huuuuge story telling power, and we’ve rounded up the best Irish shows to prove it! From gripping dramas about The Troubles, super quippy comedy and eye-opening documentaries, it’s your lucky-day watchlist. 

Derry Girls 

Stream on Channel 4 

Created by Lisa McGee, this award-winning comedy is set against the backdrop of The Troubles, following a tight-knit of best friends (Saoirse-Monika Jackson, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan, Jamie-Lee O’Donnelly and Dylan Llewellyn) navigating the most bizarre situations in their school days. This is smart, hilarious and charming.  

Looking for more coming-of-age dramas to stream?

The Fall 

Stream on BBC iPlayer 

Gillian Anderson stuns as a Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson, in this cat and mouse thriller, hunting down a serial killer Paul Spector, played by Jamie Dornan. Flipping normal conventions of a thriller on its head, we find out who the Belfast serial killer is in the very first episode, leaving us totally hooked. If you looooved Dexter, this one’s for you.  

Trespasses 

Stream on Channel 4 

Adapted from Louise Kennedy’s novel, this heart-staking drama is set in the 1970s Northern Ireland during The Troubles. Following the forbidden love affair between a Catholic schoolteacher (Lola Petticrew) and a married Protestant barrister (Tom Cullen) this story is delicate and revolutionary. If you had plans this weekend, consider them cancelled!  

Say Nothing 

Stream on Channel 4 

In this chilling drama, based on Patrick Radden Keefe’s acclaimed novel, dives into the abduction of Jean McConville in the shadows of The Troubles. Expect nail-biting tension from this one with standout performances from Lola Petticrew, Anthny Boyle, and Maxine Peake.  

Father Ted  

Stream on Channel 4 

This endlessly quotable show is a classic sitcom about three Irish priests (Dermot Morgan, Ardal O’Hanlon, Frank Kelly) who have been exiled to Craggy Island and end up on chaotic misadventures. This is well worth the watch, especially under a blanket with a cup of tea in hand! 

Normal People 

Stream on BBC iPlayer 

Adapted from Sally Rooney’s hit novel, this drama series follows the beautifully messy on-again, off-again love between Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal). Honest, tender and plenty of “say something!!” moments. We recommend streaming with tissues nearby.   

Dublin Murders 

Stream on BBC iPlayer 

No one knows the whole truth in this dark Irish Psychological drama. Dublin Murders follows detectives Rob Reilly (Killian Scott) and Cassie Maddox as they investigate the ritualistic murder of a young girl in woods near Dublin. When it’s linked to a 2-oyear old missing children's case the plot delves far and deep into the detectives’ dark traumatic pasts... 

Smother 

Stream on BBC iPlayer 

This three-part Irish thriller delves into the lives of the Ahern family exploring the family secrets that come to the surface. 

When matriarch Val Ahern’s (Dervla Kirwan) husband is found death after a party in County Clare, she investigates into his suspicious death discovering dark truths about his controlling behaviour, complex relationships and all the many lies told by her own family to protect their comfortable life. 

Crá   

Stream on BBC iPlayer 

Get ready for wild landscapes and dark comedy in this gritty Irish language noir thriller.  Crá centres on Garda Barry Roche (Alex Murphy) who discovers his own mother’s body 15 years after her disappearance. Despite being barred from working investigating the case, Conall initiates his own investigation, teaming up with young journalist Ciara-Kate (Hannah Brady) to find the truth. 

Blue Lights 

If you’re looking for a new crime show with a lot of drama, then Blue Lights is the show for you. Based in Northern Ireland, this show follows Grace (Siân Brook), Annie (Katherine Devlin) and Tommy (Nathan Braniff) on their journey as new police recruits. After dealing with criminal gangs, trust and divided communities they all have one question – was joining the PSNI the right decision? 

Looking for more drama recommendations? Well look no further, we've gone crime, comedy, romance and more!