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Top Celebrities with Anglo-Irish Heritage

The Anglo-Irish community has produced some of the most influential and well-known figures in the world of entertainment, politics, literature, and sports. Here are 10 popular celebrities and notable people from Anglo-Irish ethnicity:

  • 1. Oscar Wilde: An iconic playwright, poet, and novelist, known for his wit and flamboyant personality.
  • 2. Pierce Brosnan: A renowned actor, best known for his portrayal of James Bond in four films.
  • 3. Colin Farrell: An accomplished actor, known for his versatile roles in movies like “In Bruges” and “The Lobster”.
  • 4. C.S. Lewis: The acclaimed author of “The Chronicles of Narnia” series and a prominent Christian apologist.
  • 5. Bram Stoker: The author of the legendary gothic novel “Dracula”, which has inspired countless adaptations in various media.
  • 6. Edna O’Brien: A celebrated Irish novelist and playwright, known for her insightful and lyrical works.
  • 7. Jonathan Swift: The writer of the satirical masterpiece “Gulliver’s Travels” and a prominent political commentator.
  • 8. Liam Neeson: A highly regarded actor, acclaimed for his roles in movies like “Schindler’s List” and the “Taken” series.
  • 9. Roger Casement: An Irish nationalist and humanitarian, remembered for his work exposing human rights abuses in colonial territories.
  • 10. Bob Geldof: A musician, philanthropist, and political activist, known for organizing the “Live Aid” charity concerts in the 1980s.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact on popular culture and society.

Anglo-Irish people (Irish: Angla-Éireannach) denotes an ethnic, social and religious grouping who are mostly the descendants and successors of the English Protestant Ascendancy in Ireland. They mostly belong to the Anglican Church of Ireland, which was the established church of Ireland until 1871, or to a lesser extent one of the English dissenting churches, such as the Methodist church, though some were Roman Catholics. They often defined themselves as simply "British", and less frequently "Anglo-Irish", "Irish" or "English". Many became eminent as administrators in the British Empire and as senior army and naval officers since the Kingdom of England and Great Britain were in a real union with the Kingdom of Ireland for over a century, before politically uniting into the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in 1801.
The term is not usually applied to Presbyterians in the province of Ulster, whose ancestry is mostly Lowland Scottish, rather than English or Irish, and who are sometimes identified as Ulster-Scots. The Anglo-Irish hold a wide range of political views, with some being outspoken Irish Nationalists, but most overall being Unionists. And while most of the Anglo-Irish originated in the English diaspora in Ireland, others were descended from families of the old Gaelic nobility of Ireland.

Most Famous Anglo-Irish People

Anglo-Irish’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances

The Anglo-Irish community refers to the descendants of the English and Scottish settlers who arrived in Ireland during the Protestant plantation period in the 16th and 17th centuries. These settlers, mostly from the aristocracy and gentry classes, played a significant role in shaping the history, culture, and politics of Ireland. Today, the Anglo-Irish heritage remains an important part of Ireland’s rich and diverse tapestry, celebrated for its unique contributions. Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Anglo-Irish community:

  • Political Influence: The Anglo-Irish community has exerted notable political influence throughout Irish history. Many Anglo-Irish families held positions of power and authority, occupying seats in the Irish Parliament and later in the United Kingdom Parliament. The Protestant Ascendancy, a term used to describe the Protestant ruling class in Ireland, was predominantly made up of the Anglo-Irish elite. Their influence waned in the early 20th century following the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent establishment of the Irish Free State.
  • Literary Legacy: The Anglo-Irish community has a rich literary heritage, producing some of Ireland’s most celebrated writers. From Jonathan Swift, author of “Gulliver’s Travels,” to Oscar Wilde, renowned for his wit and plays, and W.B. Yeats, the influential poet and Nobel Laureate, Anglo-Irish writers have made significant contributions to the world of literature. These literary giants often delved into themes of national identity, social inequality, and the complexities of Irish history.
  • Historical Architecture: The Anglo-Irish heritage is evident in the architectural landscape of Ireland. Many Anglo-Irish families built grand country houses, estates, and castles that still stand today, showcasing their wealth and status. Places like Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow and Birr Castle in County Offaly are prominent examples of the architectural legacy of the Anglo-Irish. These properties, often surrounded by stunning gardens and parklands, serve as a testament to the opulent lifestyles and social standing of the Anglo-Irish elite.

The Anglo-Irish community has left an indelible mark on Ireland’s history, culture, and landscape. Their legacy is celebrated and remembered as an important part of the country’s rich heritage. From political influence to literary masterpieces and architectural wonders, the Anglo-Irish community’s contributions continue to fascinate and inspire generations.

Anglo-Irish people (Irish: Angla-Éireannach) denotes an ethnic, social and religious grouping who are mostly the descendants and successors of the English Protestant Ascendancy in Ireland. They mostly belong to the Anglican Church of Ireland, which was the established church of Ireland until 1871, or to a lesser extent one of the English dissenting churches, such as the Methodist church, though some were Roman Catholics. They often defined themselves as simply "British", and less frequently "Anglo-Irish", "Irish" or "English". Many became eminent as administrators in the British Empire and as senior army and naval officers since the Kingdom of England and Great Britain were in a real union with the Kingdom of Ireland for over a century, before politically uniting into the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in 1801.
The term is not usually applied to Presbyterians in the province of Ulster, whose ancestry is mostly Lowland Scottish, rather than English or Irish, and who are sometimes identified as Ulster-Scots. The Anglo-Irish hold a wide range of political views, with some being outspoken Irish Nationalists, but most overall being Unionists. And while most of the Anglo-Irish originated in the English diaspora in Ireland, others were descended from families of the old Gaelic nobility of Ireland.

Anglo-Irish People

Ethnic Factsheet: The Anglo-Irish People

Country Estimated Anglo-Irish Population Percentage of Total Population
Ireland 4,500,000 90%
United Kingdom 4,800,000 7%
United States 35,000,000 10%
Australia 4,300,000 19%
Canada 1,800,000 5%
Anglo-Irish people (Irish: Angla-Éireannach) denotes an ethnic, social and religious grouping who are mostly the descendants and successors of the English Protestant Ascendancy in Ireland. They mostly belong to the Anglican Church of Ireland, which was the established church of Ireland until 1871, or to a lesser extent one of the English dissenting churches, such as the Methodist church, though some were Roman Catholics. They often defined themselves as simply "British", and less frequently "Anglo-Irish", "Irish" or "English". Many became eminent as administrators in the British Empire and as senior army and naval officers since the Kingdom of England and Great Britain were in a real union with the Kingdom of Ireland for over a century, before politically uniting into the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in 1801.
The term is not usually applied to Presbyterians in the province of Ulster, whose ancestry is mostly Lowland Scottish, rather than English or Irish, and who are sometimes identified as Ulster-Scots. The Anglo-Irish hold a wide range of political views, with some being outspoken Irish Nationalists, but most overall being Unionists. And while most of the Anglo-Irish originated in the English diaspora in Ireland, others were descended from families of the old Gaelic nobility of Ireland.

The Ancient Heritage of Anglo-Irish Ethnic Groups

Anglo-Irish Ethnicity: References and Resources

The Anglo-Irish ethnic group is a term used to describe the descendants of the English and Scottish settlers who arrived in Ireland during the 16th and 17th centuries. This group typically identified with English or Scottish culture, but also had significant ties to Ireland. To dig deeper into the history, culture, and experiences of the Anglo-Irish, here are some references and resources:

  • “The Anglo-Irish: The Politics of Majority Minorities” by Oliver MacDonagh – This book provides a comprehensive history of the Anglo-Irish community in Ireland, exploring their political, social, and cultural contributions.
  • “The Making of the British Isles: The State of Britain and Ireland, 1450-1660” by Steven G. Ellis – This book delves into the complex relationship between England, Scotland, and Ireland during the early modern period, shedding light on the arrival and impact of English and Scottish settlers in Ireland.
  • National Library of Ireland – The National Library of Ireland holds a rich collection of archival material and resources related to the Anglo-Irish, including manuscripts, newspapers, photographs, and maps. Their website offers online access to some of these collections.
  • Irish Genealogy Toolkit – This website offers a wealth of resources for those interested in tracing their Anglo-Irish roots. It includes guides on genealogical research, online databases, and links to relevant records and sources.
  • The Irish At Home and Abroad – This online publication features articles and stories related to the history and experiences of the Irish diaspora, including the Anglo-Irish. It offers a diverse range of topics and perspectives.

These references and resources provide a starting point for further exploration into the Anglo-Irish ethnic group. From historical accounts and academic analysis to genealogical research and personal narratives, they offer valuable insights into the complex identities and contributions of the Anglo-Irish community.

We have reached the end of our exploration into the extraordinary lives of prominent Anglo-Irish. We hope this journey has been enlightening and inspiring.

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