Ireland’s Rising Cultural Stars: From Music to Theatre and Beyond
The Irish cultural scene is experiencing a vibrant surge, with talent emerging across film, music, fashion, and theatre. Beyond established names like Paul Mescal, Saoirse Ronan, and Hozier, a recent generation of Irish artists is gaining recognition on the world stage. Here are ten rising stars to watch in 2026.
1. Aran Murphy
Aran Murphy is forging his own path in acting, despite his father being the acclaimed actor Cillian Murphy. He has already secured roles in the 2022 film LOLA, the upcoming legal drama War, Taika Waititi’s adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s Klara and the Sun, and Sharon Horgan’s new HBO series Youth.
2. Cúpla Designs (Brodie and Mirren McFeely)
Twin sisters Brodie and Mirren McFeely, operating under the banner Cúpla Designs, have gained prominence for their playful and culturally-inspired fashion. Their designs, including a custom Daniel O’Donnell dress worn by CMAT in her music video for “When a Good Man Cries,” have garnered attention and even the approval of O’Donnell himself. Popular designs include their ‘Suckin’ Diesel’ tank tops and ‘I Heart Donegal’ t-shirts.
3. Stella and the Dreaming
Waterford-based artist Stella and the Dreaming is generating buzz with her ethereal piano-based compositions. She will be supporting The Cure at their Marlay Park gig in June, following the release of promising singles like “The First Time” and “In Another Life.”
4. Eileen Leonard Sealy
Visual artist Eileen Leonard Sealy, a recent graduate of the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), debuted her solo reveal at The Lab to critical acclaim. Her work, inspired by “landscapes marked by human intervention,” explores the intersection of art, and theatre. She was recently awarded the Hennessy Craig award, and her Spring exhibition is currently running at Draiocht.
5. Flynn Gray
Dublin actor Flynn Gray is set to appear in Star Wars: Starfighter, scheduled for release in 2027, alongside Ryan Gosling and Amy Adams. He has previously appeared in roles on RTE shows Borderline and Showkids, as well as a small role in Wednesday.
6. Madra Salach
Madra Salach, led by Paul Banks, is a six-piece band driving the contemporary folk movement. Their debut EP, It’s a Hell of an Age, featuring a rendition of “Spancil Hill,” has positioned them for a significant 2026.
7. Lainey Whelan
Fashion designer Lainey Whelan, working under the name ‘T-Lainey,’ is known for her unique and eye-catching tights. Her work, described as “the pursuit of morbid curiosity through a post-internet lens,” has included custom designs for CMAT’s band, showcased during her performance on The Stephen Colbert Show.
8. Danielle James
Irish theatremaker Danielle James has achieved international recognition, with her play Three Boys being a finalist for the 2025 Women’s Prize for Playwriting. She has collaborated with artists like Florence + the Machine, Shania Twain, and Cyndi Lauper, and has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall and the National Theatre. She is currently developing new work with several prominent theatre companies in London and Ireland.
9. Nóra Ní Anluain Fay and Ben Sullivan
Choreographers and performers Nóra Ní Anluain Fay and Ben Sullivan have garnered attention for their innovative dance work, Ham Sandwiches and Discipline, a “comedic, contemporary dance duet about the world of the GAA.” Sullivan received a Dance Ireland Residency Award in 2024.
10. Djamel White
Dublin-based author Djamel White’s debut crime novel, All Them Dogs, is highly anticipated for 2026. The novel tells the story of a young queer gangster returning to west Dublin. It has already received praise from Booker Prize winner Anne Enright, who calls it “a stylish, adroit and gritty debut.” White developed his writing skills through Fighting Words, a creative writing organization co-founded by Roddy Doyle.