Ireland is everywhere: on the road, in literature and on the silver screen! A perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Irish history and culture, and gain a better understanding of the island! So we’ve put together a list of the best films, series and reports about Ireland… all available on Netflix!
Six Nations – Full Contact – © Netflix
Do you love rugby and appreciate the performances of the XV du Trèfle? “Six Nations – Au contact” is a documentary that delves into the heart of one of the world’s most prestigious rugby tournaments, the Six Nations.
Through exclusive images and interviews, this report offers a unique perspective on the intensity of this iconic competition. Following teams from Ireland, England, France, Italy, Scotland and Wales, the documentary captures the very soul of rugby, as well as the spirit of camaraderie and historic rivalry between these nations.
It’s a celebration of rugby, from behind the scenes to on the pitch. Find out more about the Irish team, their philosophy, their camaraderie, and their unwavering determination to become one of the greatest teams in the world!
“Derry Girls” is a witty and charming TV series that immerses us in the daily lives of four teenage girls (and one of them’s English cousin) in the Northern Irish town of Derry during the 1990s.
In the midst of the Troubles, a period of nationalist conflict, these girls and their families navigate the challenges of adolescence with humor, daring and a touching dose of naiveté.
The series, created by Lisa McGee, shines in its ability to blend comedy with more serious moments, offering a light-hearted yet poignant look at this tumultuous period.
The colorful, endearing characters and the situations in which they find themselves make “Derry Girls” a unique work of art, which quickly became a huge success both in Ireland and abroad!
It also helped reveal actress Nicola Coughlan, who has since gone on to distinguish herself in series such as The Bridgerton Chronicles!
A scene from Peaky Blinders
It’s impossible to talk about Ireland-related Netflix programs without mentioning the Peaky Blinders series! Firstly, because it stars the internationally acclaimed Irish actor Cilian Murphy, but also because it tells the story of the Peaky Blinders gang, a group originally from Ireland (many of whom are Irish Travellers), but who migrated to Birmingham.
The series, which runs for several seasons, takes you through the gang’s hectic day-to-day life, from crimes and petty theft to conflicts and power struggles. An exceptional show, with a 4-star cast, an excellent script and a powerful anachronistic soundtrack!
The Irishman – © Netflix
The great Martin Scorsese has never hidden his fascination with the Italian-American and Irish-American mafia that plagued the United States in the 20th century. The Irishman is also a historical fresco through the eyes of Frank Sheeran, an Irish World War II veteran turned mafia hitman.
The film’s link with Ireland lies mainly in its protagonist, Frank Sheeran, an American of Irish descent. His nickname “The Irishman” refers to his Irish roots, underscoring the importance of his heritage to his identity and the film’s narrative. Ireland itself is not a direct setting in the film, but Sheeran’s Irish heritage serves as a cultural backdrop that influences his interactions and his perception by others.
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this epic film brings together film legends such as Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. Spanning several decades, the story interweaves with major historical events, including the assassination of President Kennedy and the mysterious disappearance of trade unionist Jimmy Hoffa. With masterful direction and unforgettable performances, “The Irishman” is a masterpiece!
Rebellion – Netflix
Rebellion is undoubtedly the perfect series for understanding Dublin’s 1916 Easter Rising. This dramatic series takes you to the heart of Ireland, to the time of the struggle for Irish independence, when radical Irish nationalists decide to stage a rebellion in the middle of Dublin to throw the English out!
Considered one of the most crucial events in modern Irish history, the Easter Rising remains an epic episode, which the Rebellion series attempts to retrace.
Thus, this armed revolt against British rule is the starting point for the series, which explores with finesse the intertwined lives of fictional and historical characters, witnesses and actors in this moment of rebellion.
Through the destinies of these men and women, the series depicts the complexity of national feelings, divided loyalties and personal sacrifices. “Rebellion” doesn’t just recount military events; it offers an intimate view of the social and family impacts of the conflict, in an Irish society on the eve of profound transformation.
Rich in historical detail, the series is as much a human drama as a reflection on the quest for freedom and identity, capturing the essence of a pivotal period that shaped contemporary Ireland.
A must-see for history buffs!
Netflix documentary “Au plus profond
In a completely different vein, “Au plus profond” (In the Deepest Depths) is a very successful feature on Netflix. It immerses you in the world of freediving, through the journey of two exceptional divers, Italy’s Alessia Zecchini and Ireland’s Stephen Keenan.
Directed by Laura McGann, this documentary skilfully combines breathtaking footage, poignant interviews and re-enactments to explore the extreme limits of Man underwater.
The program tells the true story of two freedivers, ready to do anything for their art and for their love affair.
You’ll discover the admirable story of Stephen Keenan, an Irishman who became a recognized expert in freediving safety. His relationship with Alessia Zecchini, at the heart of the documentary, offers an intimate perspective on their shared passion for pushing the boundaries of the human underwater.
The Wonder is on Netflix!
In a completely different genre, “The Wonder” is a story that transports you to rural Ireland in 1862. The film explores themes of faith, mysticism and skepticism through the prism of a captivating mystery.
Set a few years after the Great Famine, this work follows the story of an English nurse, Lib Wright, who is called to a small village to observe a case that defies explanation: a young girl, Anna O’Donnell, who is said to have survived without food for months.
What begins as a scientific mission quickly turns into a profound emotional and psychological journey, where personal beliefs are put to the test against local traditions and superstitions.
“The Wonder” deftly weaves suspense and reflection, asking questions about the nature of faith, the power of conviction and the price of truth in a community marked by its beliefs and secrets.
The story is beautifully rendered, capturing the austere atmosphere of post-famine Ireland and the complexity of characters navigating between the rational and the supernatural.
Netflix releases a documentary series on the Sophie Toscan du Plantier affair
If you like feature stories and are intrigued by police mysteries, then we recommend: “Sophie: L’affaire Toscan du Plantier”. This documentary immerses viewers in one of Ireland’s most high-profile and mysterious court cases.
The documentary explores the brutal murder of French TV producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier in Schull, near her vacation home in County Cork, in 1996.
Through a series of poignant interviews (including that of alleged killer Ian Bailey), archive footage and re-enactments, the documentary traces the events surrounding her tragic death and the efforts to solve the case, highlighting the complexities of the justice system, the judicial tensions between France and Ireland, and the lasting impact of the murder on local communities and Sophie’s family.
Riverdance is on Netflix!
Netflix isn’t just for grown-ups! We’re also thinking of children, with Riverdance, l’aventure animée, an animated film that transports viewers into a magical world inspired by the famous Irish dance show, Riverdance.
This film explores the story of Keegan and Moya, two young adventurers who embark on an epic journey to protect their world from a dark force. At the heart of their adventure, dance plays a crucial role, acting as a metaphor for life and a means of overcoming obstacles.
The film celebrates Irish culture, its haunting music and dancing, while introducing fantastical elements and mythical characters to enrich the story.
Magnificent, the film is suitable for the whole family and will make you want to travel to the Emerald Isle! It’s an ode to hope, friendship and perseverance, all wrapped up in the traditions of Ireland. With quality animation and a soundtrack faithful to the original show, this film is a real breath of Eire!
McGregor Forever will be released on Netflix on May 17, 2023 – © Netflix
If you love MMA, you should know that “Conor McGregor: Notorious” and “Conor McGregor: Forever” are two documentaries entirely dedicated to the Irish champion of the same name.
The programs follow Conor McGregor’s meteoric rise from humble beginnings in Dublin to become one of the biggest stars in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).
This showh offers unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to McGregor’s life, from intimate moments to gruelling training sessions, and the fights that defined his career (from victories to knockouts).
Through a montage of personal archives and battle footage, the two documentaries paint a portrait of a determined, charismatic yet controversial man whose quest for glory is as intense as it is complex.
“The Fall” is a gripping TV series that weaves an intense psychological duel between a determined police inspector and a meticulous serial killer.
Set in Belfast, Northern Ireland, this series delves into the darkness behind the mask of normalcy. Gillian Anderson shines as Stella Gibson, a senior Metropolitan Police officer sent to Belfast to review ongoing investigations.
She soon finds herself on the trail of Paul Spector, played with calculated coldness by Jamie Dornan, a marriage counselor who leads a terrifying double life. “The Fall” stands out for its slow, methodical approach, allowing viewers to immerse themselves deeply in the psyche of its main characters. The series finely explores the power dynamics, internal conflicts and complexity of the characters involved in this macabre hunt.
With gradually rising tension and impeccable storytelling, “The Fall” is a fascinating exploration of good versus evil, and the fine line between justice and vengeance.
“Jadotville” is a war film that tells the true and little-known story of the siege of Jadotville, a conflict that took place in 1961 during the Congo crisis, when a 150-strong Irish UN battalion was besieged by 3,000 Congolese soldiers supported by French and Belgian mercenaries.
This inspiring tale highlights the courage and resilience of these Irish soldiers under the command of Commander Pat Quinlan, brilliantly played by Jamie Dornan.
Despite being outnumbered and lacking support, the men from Jadotville put up a heroic defense, demonstrating remarkable discipline and bravery without losing a single man.
The film explores not only the military aspects of this siege, but also the political intrigue and manipulation that went on behind the scenes, highlighting the complexities and moral dilemmas of the Cold War in Africa. “Jadotville” pays poignant tribute to these forgotten heroes, finally recognized for their heroism in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
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