Maria Doyle Kennedy: culture that made me
Maria Doyle Kennedy has spent decades moving fluidly between music and screen, building a career that refuses to stay in one lane. Born in 1964, she grew up across Dublin, Enniscorthy, and Bray, eventually channeling her artistic energy into both song and performance. After cutting her teeth in several bands, she took control of her musical destiny in 2000 by founding a record label with her husband, Kieran Kennedy. Since then, she’s released eleven solo albums, with her most recent, Fire on the Roof of Eden, arriving in 2021 to showcase her enduring voice and songwriting craft.
But Kennedy’s reach extends far beyond the recording studio. Her acting career spans over fifty films and television series, and she’s become a recognizable presence on screen for audiences around the world. She made an early mark in THE COMMITMENTS, the beloved 1991 film that captured Dublin’s soul music scene, and later delivered memorable performances in period dramas like THE TUDORS, where she portrayed Catherine of Aragon with quiet strength. More recently, she’s appeared in KIN, the Irish crime drama that brought her talents back to home soil, proving that whether she’s working in historical epics or contemporary thrillers, Kennedy brings an authenticity that grounds every project she touches. It’s this dual commitment to music and acting, maintained across decades, that makes her one of Ireland’s most versatile and enduring artists.
In a brand new interview with The Irish Examiner, Maria outlines the artists and art that formed her creative palette. Read the full “Culture That Made Me” list HERE.
DERRY GIRLS darling @nicolacoughlan returns to our TVs in I AM HELEN.
This critically acclaimed BAFTA-winning anthology series pairs Coughlan with PEAKY BLINDERS star Joe Cole!
Watch new trailer now via 🔗︎ in bio!
BROOKLYN fans, this one is for you 🎬
Caitríona Balfe is back in a Colm Tóibín adaptation, and A LONG WINTER lands in cinemas this January 2027. Based on Tóibín’s 2006 short story, the film casts Caitríona as Louise, a mother at the heart of a stark, emotional drama.
More details via 🔗︎ in bio!
Mayo`s own @philippa.dunne is pure joy!
On this week`s @latelaterte, Philippa shares childhood memories of growing up in Mayo that shaped her, and what it’s really like to bring unforgettable characters to life on screen.
If you love Irish screen stories told by the people who live them, watch now via 🔗︎ in bio!
Everyone`s favourite Andrew returns to the @britishfilminstitute London Film Festival with his new film ELSINORE.
Few actors of the stage and screen have attracted as much acclaim in recent years as Andrew Scott, both for the emotional depth of his performances and for the subtlety and nuance he brings to them.
Watch now via 🔗︎ in bio!
Like father, like son!
Aran Murphy is following in his father Cillian`s footsteps with a major role in the new @sharonhorgan show YOUTH.
The 19-year-old is relatively new to the acting world but has had a very busy few months as of late, stepping out on red carpets and giving plenty of interviews for his first roles.
Let`s hear it for Ireland`s next wave of amazing acting talent!
Colin Farrell hit the @thegrahamnortonshowofficial couch this weekend!
Farrell reveals a new haircut (!) and how he was initially reluctant to take accept his role in the classic IN BRUGES.
Watch now via 🔗︎ in bio!
One question that has haunted Ireland for decades ⚖️
In RE-CREATION, the new film from Jim Sheridan, the story is built on the real 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan Du Plantier, and Colm Meaney never hands you a verdict. The veteran actor trusts you to argue it out yourself 🎬
More details via 🔗︎ in bio!
“This is the Ireland I always believed existed.”
July 13, 1985. Two stadiums. One mission. Queen, U2, Bowie, Elton John, Madonna, McCartney, all on one day to fight famine in Ethiopia. And five Irish women who wanted to donate their wedding rings!
More details of Bob Geldof`s LATE LATE SHOW appearance via 🔗︎ in bio!
Let’s hear it for Jamie Dornan 👏
He’s back as an American career criminal, always one step ahead, in 12 12 12 on Apple TV, going toe to toe with Anthony Mackie in a cat-and-mouse game across Europe. And this time he’s also an executive producer, helping shape the story as well as starring in it.
NEW trailer via 🔗︎ in bio!
