St. Patrick's Day is a time to celebrate dressed in green, rediscover Irish gastronomy and listen to Celtic music. March 17 is also the time to immerse yourself in the history of this incredible country, by (re)watching some of the must-see films by Jim Sheridan, Ken Loach and Paul Greengrass. Here's a selection of 10 films featuring Ireland and to watch on St. Patrick's Day!
Belfast
"Belfast" is a film by Kenneth Branagh. It takes us back in time to the summer of 1969. The story follows Buddy (played by Jude Hill), a 9-year-old boy from the working-class neighborhoods of North Belfast, where he lives happily, loved, and safe. But as the late 1960s unfold, Buddy’s idyllic childhood turns into a nightmare. The simmering social tensions suddenly erupt into violence in the streets. Buddy witnesses chaos and hysteria firsthand. Portraying Buddy’s parents are Caitriona Balfe and Jamie Dornan.
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In the Name of the Father
Directed in 1994 by Jim Sheridan,"In the Name of the Father" features the excellent actor Daniel Day-Lewis, but also Pete Postlethwaite, and Emma Thompson in a poignant dramatic film. The film tells the story of Gerry Conlon. In 1975, this young delinquent from Belfast was arrested by the London police, who accused him of instigating terrorist attacks in Guildford on behalf of the IRA. Eventually, under pressure from the police, Gerry signs a fabricated confession that directly incriminates him and several of those close to him.
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The Wind Rises
"The Wind Rises" is one of Ken Loach's many successes. Winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival, the film stars Cillian Murphy, Padraic Delaney and Liam Cunningham. The story? The story of Irish peasants who, in 1920, unite to form a volunteer army against the Black and Tans, the famous English troops sent in boatloads to quell the Irish people's desire for independence.
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Bloody Sunday
Released in 2022, this magnificent film by Paul Greengrass was awarded the Golden Bear at Berlin the same year. "Bloody Sunday" recalls the dark day of Sunday January 30, 1972, when thirteen people were killed by the British army during rioting. Sadly dubbed Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland, the day marked the beginning of the civil war.
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Michael Collins
"Michael Collins" is another classic in the history of Irish cinema. Directed in 1997 by Neil Jordan, the film recounts the epic struggle for Irish independence in the early 20th century. England has always been challenged by its closest colony, Ireland, through the incredible story of Michael Collins, played here by actor Liam Neeson.
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My Left Foot
Here's another film about Ireland directed by Jim Sheridan :"My Left Foot", released in 1990. Starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Shane Connaughton, the film follows the life of Christy Brown, a painter and writer who was stricken with spastic paralysis at birth.
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The Commitments
A musical film directed by Alan Parker in 1991,"The Commitments" depicts the splendor and misery of a Dublin-based soul music group, the Commitments, formed by Jimmy Rabitte.
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The Boxer
Another feature film directed by Jim Sheridan is"The Boxer". Released in 1997, this film once again stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Emily Watson and Brian Cox. The film tells the story of Danny Flynn, a boxer who had everything going for him. But then... After joining the IRA, he was thrown into violent action and sentenced to 14 years in prison for a bombing he didn't commit, Danny decided to remain silent. But today Danny is free. In his old neighborhood, devastated by the war, the boxer tries to get back on his feet...
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Hunger
Caméra d'Or at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival,"Hunger" is a hard-hitting film by Steve McQueen, starring Michael Fassbender, Stuart Graham and Brian Milligan. The film plunges us into the hell of Maze prison in Northern Ireland. It's here that warden Raymond Lohan is assigned to Ward H, where IRA political prisoners began the"Blanket and No-Wash Protest" to express their anger in 1981.
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Angela's Ashes
Directed by Alan Parker in 2000,Angela's Ashes follows the Irish McCourt family who, after the brutal death of their daughter at the age of seven weeks, decide to leave the USA and return to Cork, Ireland. But their return proves difficult.
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Saint Patrick's Day 2026: Celebrate with this year's lineup of events and activities across Paris and Île-de-France
St. Patrick’s Day is making its return to Paris just like everywhere else, on March 17, 2026. To ensure you have an unforgettable evening with friends, check out the top spots and insider tips to celebrate in the French capital! [Read more]
Saint Patrick's Day 2026: Celebrate with this year's lineup of events and activities across Paris and Île-de-France
