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Top ten hottest male Irish celebrities

June 9, 1:15 PMIrish American Culture ExaminerTara Clapper
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Bono of U2
   Bono. Courtesy: Executive Office of the US

Everyone seems to have an opinion on this topic--the hottest male Irish celebrities. While some of them are decidedly more popular, who is the most attractive?

A recent sampling of opinion resulted in what can only be described as extremes. Fans and the general public (at least here in Philadelphia) reacted very strongly to the positive or negative regarding Irish public figures. The most popular answers are as follows:

10. Colin Farrell. This Irish bad boy is notorious for his off-screen behavior. Farrell is extremely popular internationally (most notably in America). Farrell has worked with names such as Salma Hayek, Oliver Stone, Steven Spielberg, Al Pacino, Ben Affleck, Cate Blanchett, and more. Farrell is also a director.

9. Cillian Murphy. Murphy is one of those faces--"That's that guy!" He is highly recognizable, but few put the face with the name. Murphy frequently chooses independent films over big-budget masterpieces. His more popular and influential performances include The Wind That Shakes the Barley (a must for anyone interested in Irish history), Girl With a Pearl Earring, and 28 Days Later. Read more at The CillianSite.

8. Aidan Quinn. Born in the United States, Quinn was raised primarily in Ireland. This wide-eyed actor has been seen in popular movies such as Legends of the Fall and Michael Collins, but remains a personal favorite to many due to his work in controversial and independent projects such as The Book of Daniel and Songcatcher. IMDb reports that Quinn is also a friend of legendary singer-songwriter Paul McCartney.

7. Colm Meaney. Meaney has served as a stock Irish character in multiple films. His more popular roles include a long-time portrayal of Chief O'Brien on multiple Star Trek series and ward boss Kelly in Far and Away. Meaney is notable for his constant transition between television and film, making this Dublin native one of the most prolific actors to ever come out of Ireland.

6. Bono. U2's front man has been at the head of charitable works. His popularity is indisputable, despite the fact that almost as many people seem to dislike him. Known for his sexy shades and rock star cool, Bono's upbringing (having both an Anglican and Irish Catholic parent) has been a hot topic, frequently and openly discussed by the celebrity. Bono also claims that his trademark shades are not just there to complement his golden voice: his eyes are very light-sensitive.

5. Pierce Brosnan. Born in County Meath, Ireland, Pierce Brosnan is truly Irish and American, holding dual citizenship. Brosnan is officially sealed as 'sexy' due to his portrayal of James Bond in some of the Bond films. Fans also laud his bathing suit appearance in Mrs. Doubtfire, though recently many have expressed dislike over his acting (and vocal attempt) in Mamma Mia.

4. Stuart Townsend. Not just anyone could play a character by the name of Dorian Gray, and this actor fit the bill for the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen portrayal. Townsend earns automatic cool points for his part in Robot Chicken. Though this hottie tends to stick to low-key roles, he was reportedly the original pick to play Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

3. Kenneth Branagh. A classic favorite, Branagh was raised in a Protestant family in Belfast. To avoid being affected by sectarian violence, his family relocated to England, where Branagh adopted an English accent to avoid taunting or worse from classmates. Despite the potential difficulties, Branagh culturally identifies himself as Irish and is outspoken about the issue. Deemed a master of Shakespearean acting, Branagh has played in many Shakespearean film adaptations including Othello, Hamlet, and Henry V.

2. Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Deemed 'Dublin's finest,' Jonathan Rhys Meyers is extremely famous for his role as King Henry VIII in The Tudors. Meyers is a master of publicity, using his charming smile to secure his position as an international sex symbol and superstar. More than just a pretty face, this Golden Globe winner's filmography boasts everything from pop culture to Shakespeare.

1. Liam Neeson. Named after his family's priest, Liam Neeson has portrayed many poignant and pivotal roles in film. He is said to be particularly desirable when wearing a kilt in Rob Roy, and seems to favor a message of independence as well in his lead role portrayal in Michael Collins. His most discussed and critically-acclaimed portrayal, however, is that of Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List. Neeson seems to go out of his way to pick ethically and politically-charged roles, including the voice of Aslan in The Chronicles of Narnia. Additionally, Neeson seemed born to play the mentoring role of Qui'Gon Jinn in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Aging with grace, this distinguished Irish actor still has all the right moves (and weapons proficiencies) in the recent action flick Taken. Neeson's boyish gaze combined with his strong features and rebellious roles certainly make him worth of the title of hottest male Irish celebrity.

 

For more info: Research the celebrities on IMDb.

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