10 Rising Irish Stars to Watch in 2024 & Beyond | Arts & Culture
The Irish cultural surge continues, extending far beyond the celebrated names of Paul Mescal, Cillian Murphy, and Hozier. A second wave of Irish talent is emerging across film, music, fashion, and the arts, poised to make a significant impact on the global stage. Here are ten rising stars to watch, each carving their own unique path.
Aran Murphy: Following in Famous Footsteps
Aran Murphy, the teenage son of actor Cillian Murphy and artist Yvonne McGuinness, is quickly establishing himself as a promising actor in his own right. Having made his screen debut in the 2022 film LOLA, he has recently secured roles in the upcoming legal drama War, Taika Waititi’s adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel Klara and the Sun, and Sharon Horgan’s new HBO series Youth.
Cúpla Designs: Donegal Twins Making Waves in Fashion
Twins Brodie and Mirren McFeely, operating under the banner Cúpla Designs, gained prominence after CMAT wore their designs, including a custom-made Daniel O’Donnell dress, in the music video for When a Good Man Cries. Their playful embrace of Irish culture, evident in designs like ‘Suckin’ Diesel’ tank tops and ‘I Heart Donegal’ t-shirts, has resonated with a growing audience.
Stella and the Dreaming: Ethereal Sounds from Waterford
Waterford-based artist Stella and the Dreaming is generating significant buzz with her ethereal piano-based compositions. Creating music “from behind a garage door somewhere, stuffed with duvets and carpet-covered frames,” Stella has released promising singles like The First Time and In Another Life, earning her a support slot with The Cure at their Marlay Park gig in June.
Eileen Leonard Sealy: Landscapes and Theatre
Recent NCAD graduate Eileen Leonard Sealy, from Howth, staged her debut solo show at The Lab last year to critical acclaim. Her visual style, inspired by “landscapes marked by human intervention,” and a previous residency at a natural burial ground in the Netherlands, has earned her recognition, including winning the prestigious Hennessy Craig award. Her Spring exhibition is currently running at Draiocht until .
Flynn Gray: From Dublin to a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Dublin actor Flynn Gray is experiencing a meteoric rise, landing a role in Star Wars: Starfighter, set for release in . He previously appeared in RTE shows Borderline and Showkids, and had a small role in Wednesday, signaling a bright future for this young talent.
Madra Salach: Contemporary Folk on the Rise
Madra Salach, a six-piece band led by Paul Banks, is making waves in the contemporary folk scene. Formed from the remnants of various Dublin indie bands, their debut EP It’s a Hell of an Age, featuring a rendition of Spancil Hill, has positioned them for a successful .
Lainey Whelan: Tights with a Post-Internet Lens
Fashion designer Lainey Whelan, based in Dublin, has garnered attention for her unique tights under the ‘T-Lainey’ banner. Her function, described as “the pursuit of morbid curiosity through a post-internet lens,” incorporates elements of forensics and has even been featured on CMAT’s band during their performance on Stephen Colbert’s talk show.
Danielle James: International Acclaim for Irish Theatremaker
Irish theatremaker Danielle James has achieved international recognition, receiving awards and nominations for her work, including her play Three Boys being a finalist for the Women’s Prize for Playwriting. She has collaborated with artists like Florence + the Machine, Shania Twain, and Cyndi Lauper, and performed at venues including Carnegie Hall and the National Theatre. She is currently developing new work with several prominent London and Irish theatres.
Nóra Ní Anluain Fay and Ben Sullivan: Dance and the GAA
Choreographers and performers Nóra Ní Anluain Fay and Ben Sullivan captivated audiences with their comedic, contemporary dance duet Ham Sandwiches and Discipline, which explored the world of the GAA. Sullivan, a rising star in dance himself, received a Dance Ireland Residency Award last year and has featured in various shows and dance films.
Djamel White: A Debut Crime Novel to Watch
Dublin-based author Djamel White’s debut crime novel, All Them Dogs, is highly anticipated for . The story follows Tony Ward, a young queer gangster returning to west Dublin, and has already received praise from Booker winner Anne Enright, who calls it “a stylish, adroit and gritty debut.” White’s journey to publication, beginning with an early-leavers program and finding his calling at Fighting Words, is an inspiring one.