12 Romantic Irish Movies Perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day Night In
- Joao Nsita
- 2 hours ago
- 10 min read
Introduction
St. Patrick’s Day often conjures images of crowded pubs, green beer, and raucous parades. But for many of us, the ideal celebration involves something a little quieter, a little cozier, and perhaps a lot more romantic. In 2026, the trend of the "cozy night in" continues to dominate social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, where users are swapping chaotic parties for curated movie marathons, complete with themed snacks and warm blankets. Why fight the crowds when you can travel to the Emerald Isle from the comfort of your sofa?
Irish cinema has a unique ability to capture the raw beauty of the landscape and the deep, poetic nature of love. Whether it’s the rolling green hills of the countryside, the cobblestone streets of Dublin, or the rugged cliffs of the coast, Ireland provides the perfect backdrop for stories of passion, heartbreak, and second chances. This list curates the best romantic Irish movies that range from golden-age classics to modern rom-coms, ensuring there is a perfect pick for every couple (or Galentine’s squad) this March 17th.
So, pour yourself a glass of Guinness or a hot Irish coffee, dim the lights, and prepare to be swept away.
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12. Irish Wish (2024)
The Vibe: Whimsical, magical, and pure rom-com escapism.
Kicking off our list is a recent addition to the canon of Irish-set romances. Starring Lindsay Lohan, Irish Wish taps into the magical realism often associated with Irish folklore. The story follows Maddie, a book editor who is hopelessly in love with the man she’s editing for—until he gets engaged to her best friend. When Maddie travels to Ireland for the wedding and makes a spontaneous wish on an ancient stone, she wakes up as the bride-to-be.
While critics might call it cheesy, it is the perfect kind of cheese for a holiday movie night. It features stunning shots of the Cliffs of Moher and lush green estates that will have you booking a flight to Dublin immediately. It’s lighthearted, funny, and reminds us that sometimes getting what we want isn't as good as getting what we need.
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
11. Wild Mountain Thyme (2020)
The Vibe: Quirky, eccentric, and unapologetically strange.
If you are looking for a movie that generated a thousand memes upon its release, this is it. Starring Emily Blunt and Jamie Dornan, Wild Mountain Thyme tells the story of two star-crossed lovers in rural Ireland whose families are caught up in a dispute over land.
Despite the much-debated accents, the film has a undeniable charm and a lush, fairy-tale aesthetic that fits perfectly with St. Patrick's Day. It captures the muddy, rainy, beautiful reality of Irish farm life, albeit through a Hollywood lens. The romance is slow-burn and frustrating in the best way, proving that sometimes love is right in front of you, waiting for you to open the gate.
For more on navigating tricky relationship dynamics (though hopefully less complicated than a land dispute!), check out our guide on The Evolution of Leonard and Penny's Relationship in The Big Bang Theory for some sitcom-style insights.
Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video.
10. Laws of Attraction (2004)
The Vibe: Witty banter, courtroom drama, and Pierce Brosnan’s charm.
Before Wild Mountain Thyme, there was Laws of Attraction. This film pairs Julianne Moore and Pierce Brosnan as rival divorce lawyers who end up getting married after a wild night of drinking in an Irish castle. While much of the film takes place in New York, the Irish sequence is the catalyst for the romance and offers a beautiful escape to the countryside.
It’s a classic "enemies-to-lovers" trope executed by two heavy-hitting actors. The chemistry is palpable, and the dialogue is sharp. It’s a great reminder that sometimes you have to lose control to find love.
Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu.
9. Circle of Friends (1995)
The Vibe: Nostalgic, coming-of-age, and deeply heartwarming.
Based on the novel by Maeve Binchy, Circle of Friends takes us back to 1950s Ireland. It follows Benny (Minnie Driver) and her friends as they navigate university life, first loves, and the strict social mores of the time. The romance between Benny and the handsome rugby player Jack (Chris O'Donnell) is sweet, complicated, and feels incredibly grounded.
This film is less about the fantasy of Ireland and more about the reality of growing up there. It highlights the importance of friendship as the foundation for any great romance. If you are in the early stages of a relationship and looking for conversation starters, try our list of 50 Flirty Texts to Kickstart a Conversation With Your Crush.
Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video.
8. The Matchmaker (1997)
The Vibe: Cynical city girl meets charming country boy.
Janeane Garofalo stars as a campaign aide sent to Ireland to find her senator boss’s relatives to win the Irish-American vote. She arrives in a small village during the annual matchmaking festival and, despite her best efforts to stay focused on work, falls for a local bartender.
It’s a classic fish-out-of-water story that celebrates the quirky, close-knit nature of Irish village life. It’s funny, slightly dry, and features a romance that feels earned rather than forced. Plus, it serves as a great travelogue for the west coast of Ireland.
Where to Watch: Rent on Apple TV.
7. Love, Rosie (2014)
The Vibe: Frustratingly romantic, missed connections, and "right person, wrong time."
Based on Cecelia Ahern's novel Where Rainbows End, this film follows Rosie (Lily Collins) and Alex (Sam Claflin), best friends who have been in love with each other since childhood but constantly miss their window of opportunity. The story spans years and continents, but their roots in Dublin ground the narrative.
This is a tear-jerker for anyone who loves the "friends to lovers" trope. It’s a beautiful exploration of how life gets in the way of love, and how true connection can survive distance and time. It’s a modern classic that pairs perfectly with a box of tissues and a glass of wine.
Speaking of wine, make sure your date night is fully stocked by checking out our 12 Best Cocktails for Valentine's Day (and Date Night) guide for drink inspiration.
Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon Prime Video.
🎧 Enjoying the list? Take a break and listen to a romantic audio drama on our podcast: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/episodes.
6. Ondine (2009)
The Vibe: Mythical, moody, and hauntingly beautiful.
Colin Farrell stars as a fisherman who pulls a woman out of the sea in his nets. His daughter believes the woman is a selkie—a creature from Irish folklore that is a seal in the water and a human on land. Set against the rugged, grey backdrop of the Irish coast, this film is more of a drama than a rom-com, but the romance is deep and soulful.
It explores themes of redemption, belief, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. It’s a visually stunning film that captures the ethereal quality of Ireland better than almost any other.
For more stories about deep, transformative love, read our A Sky Full of Love by Lorna Lewis Book Review.
Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video.
5. Sing Street (2016)
The Vibe: Electric, musical, and full of 80s nostalgia.
While technically a coming-of-age musical, the driving force of Sing Street is romance. A boy in 1980s Dublin starts a band solely to impress a girl who is way out of his league. What follows is a joyous, heartbreaking, and triumphant story about using art to escape your reality and connect with others.
The soundtrack is phenomenal, featuring original songs that pay homage to 80s icons like The Cure and Duran Duran. It’s a movie that will make you want to cheer. It captures the specific, gritty optimism of Dublin youth culture.
Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon Prime Video or Tubi.
4. P.S. I Love You (2007)
The Vibe: The ultimate tear-jerker. Prepare to ugly cry.
This is perhaps the most famous modern Irish romance. Hilary Swank plays a young widow who discovers that her late husband (Gerard Butler) has left her a series of letters to guide her through her grief and help her find herself again. The letters eventually lead her to his homeland of Ireland, where she reconnects with his family and meets a charming local musician.
It is a story about grief, yes, but it is primarily a story about how love endures. The Irish landscapes are breathtaking, serving as a place of healing and renewal. It’s a heavy watch, but a cathartic one.
If you are looking to create a fresh start in your own relationship or life this year, our article on 12 New Year Resolutions for Couples to Strengthen Your Bond in 2026 offers great advice.
Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video.
3. Leap Year (2010)
The Vibe: Cozy, funny, and the quintessential road-trip romance.
Amy Adams stars as Anna, an uptight American who travels to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day (February 29th), based on an old Irish tradition. When bad weather derails her plans, she is forced to enlist the help of a cynical, handsome Irish innkeeper (Matthew Goode) to get her across the country to Dublin.
This movie is pure comfort food. The chemistry between Adams and Goode is electric, fueled by their bickering and the inevitable "there was only one bed" situations. It showcases the hospitality of the Irish people and the stunning beauty of the countryside (even if geographically, their route makes zero sense!).
Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video.
2. Once (2007)
The Vibe: Raw, real, and musically transcendent.
Once is a modern masterpiece. Set on the streets of Dublin, it tells the story of a busker (Glen Hansard) and a Czech immigrant (Markéta Irglová) who bond over their shared love of music. They spend a week writing, rehearsing, and recording songs that tell the story of their budding, unspoken romance.
It is not a typical Hollywood romance; it is understated and bittersweet. The song "Falling Slowly" won an Oscar for a reason—it perfectly captures the feeling of falling in love. It’s a must-watch for anyone who believes in the power of creative connection.
For more insights into modern romance novels that capture this kind of raw emotion, check out Just Our Luck by Denise Williams Book Review: A Sweet Twist of Fate and Flirty Donuts.
Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu.
1. The Quiet Man (1952)
The Vibe: The gold standard. Technicolor perfection.
No list of Irish movies is complete without The Quiet Man. John Wayne plays Sean Thornton, an American boxer who returns to his native Ireland to reclaim his family farm. He falls in love with the fiery Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O'Hara), but their romance is threatened by her belligerent brother and local customs.
This film is a love letter to Ireland. The lush Technicolor greens are vibrant, the humor is sharp, and the chemistry between Wayne and O'Hara is legendary. It’s a film about heritage, pride, and the kind of passionate love that is worth fighting for (literally). It remains the definitive St. Patrick's Day watch for a reason.
Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon Prime Video or Paramount+.
Conclusion
Whether you are in the mood for a good cry, a hearty laugh, or a sweep-you-off-your-feet romance, these 12 Irish movies offer the perfect escape for your St. Patrick's Day night in. They remind us that Ireland is more than just a place on a map; it’s a feeling—a mix of melancholy, humor, and profound warmth.
So, skip the green beer this year. Instead, bake some soda bread, find a cozy spot on the couch, and let these stories transport you. Sláinte!
💖 If you found this list helpful, please consider donating to support our blog: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/donate.
🎧 And don't forget to listen to the That Love Podcast for more heartwarming stories: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/episodes.
FAQs
1. What is the best Irish movie for a first date? Leap Year or Sing Street. Both are lighthearted, funny, and have happy endings, avoiding awkward heavy silences while sparking fun conversation.
2. Are there any Irish movies on Netflix right now? Yes, Irish Wish (2024) starring Lindsay Lohan is a Netflix original and readily available.
3. Which Irish movie has the best scenery? The Quiet Man and Wild Mountain Thyme both showcase the lush, green landscapes of rural Ireland in stunning detail. Leap Year also features beautiful shots of the countryside and cliffs.
4. Is P.S. I Love You too sad for a fun movie night? It depends on your group! If you enjoy a "good cry" and emotional catharsis, it's perfect. If you want pure comedy, stick to The Matchmaker or Laws of Attraction.
5. Are these movies suitable for families? The Secret of Roan Inish and Song of the Sea (animated, not on this list but great) are excellent family choices. The Quiet Man is generally safe, though it reflects 1950s gender norms. Always check parental guides for modern rom-coms like Love, Rosie which may have sexual content.
6. What snacks should I serve for an Irish movie night? Guinness stew, soda bread with Kerrygold butter, Irish cheddar cheese board, and popcorn with green M&Ms are fantastic themed options.
7. Is Brooklyn a true story? No, it is based on a novel by Colm Tóibín, but it accurately reflects the experiences of many Irish immigrants in the 1950s.
8. Why is The Quiet Man so famous? It was one of the first major Hollywood productions filmed on location in Ireland in Technicolor, showcasing the country's beauty to the world. It also united two of Hollywood's biggest stars, John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara.
9. Can I watch Once if I don't like musicals? Yes! The music happens organically within the plot (they are musicians writing songs), so it doesn't feel like characters randomly bursting into song. It feels very realistic.
10. What is a "Selkie" in Irish movies? A Selkie is a mythological creature found in Irish and Scottish folklore—a seal in the water that sheds its skin to become human on land. This legend is central to the movie Ondine.
External Links for Further Reading
Tourism Ireland - Explore the real-life filming locations of these movies.
Screen Ireland - Learn more about the Irish film industry and upcoming releases.
IMDb St. Patrick's Day Movie List - A comprehensive database of Irish-themed films.
Rotten Tomatoes Best Irish Movies - Critical rankings of top Irish cinema.
Irish Central - Movies - News and culture regarding Irish entertainment.
The Cliffs of Moher - Visit the stunning location featured in Leap Year and The Princess Bride.
DoDublin - Filming Locations - A guide to movie locations you can visit in Dublin.
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