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17 Irish Beards: A Definitive Ranking

All hail the face rug.

WE HAVE CONSULTED our resident beard experts.

Our decisions are final.

Correspondence will not be entered int0*.

17. Luke Ming Flanagan

Oh Ming honey, no.

Political reactions to Callinans resignation Source: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland

16. James Reilly

Using Brendan Grace as a style inspo is never going to work.

Plain pack cigarettes Source: PA Archive/Press Association Images

15. Hozier

There’s something very Irish about Hozier’s gob, and by extension his sparse beard. His silky voice compensates. Just about.

2015 Coachella Music And Arts Festival - Weekend 2 - Day 2 Source: AP/Press Association Images

14. Brendan Gleeson

Calvary-era Brendan Gleeson was sporting an impressive face rug. Bit of ginge too. Not bad at all.

The Walworth Farce announcement in Dublin Source: PA Archive/Press Association Images

13. Roy Keane

You have a lovely beard. Please don’t eat us.

Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Everton v Queens Park Rangers - Goodison Park Source: PA Wire/Press Association Images

12. Dáithí Ó Sé

Not only do we love the way Dáithí Ó Sé says ‘tart’, he’s also got some decent beard chops.

International Rose of Tralee Festivals Source: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

11. Mick Wallace

Bear with us here. The whole package is… a bit all over the place. But in isolation, that’s a solid beard. Good man.

Clare Daly Dail Scenes Source: Photocall Ireland

10. Gerry Adams

A vintage beard, this one. In fact, has Gerry ever been spotted without a beard? *fires up Google image search*

Sinn Fein - Gerry Adams TD. Pictured S Source: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

9. Brian Gleeson

brian Source: IMDB

Well, he didn’t lick it off a stone.

The Walworth Farce announcement in Dublin Source: PA Archive/Press Association Images

8. Gordan D’Arcy

One of the greatest beards in the history of great beards. Sadly, no longer with us, pushing it down the list.

Rugby Union - RBS 6 Nations - England v Ireland - Ireland Captains Run - Twickenham Source: Adam Davy

7. Chris O’Dowd

Cheeky face + beard = a solid look. Representin’ Roscommon.

2014 TIFF - St. Vincent Press Conference Source: AP/Press Association Images

6. David O’Doherty

Contrary to popular belief, David O’Doherty and Chris O’Dowd are not the same person. It’s hilarious to continually point it though, right Chris? Right Dave?

Anyway, DOD pips COD by the sheer virtue of still living in Ireland.

dod Source: @Phlaimeaux

5. Conor McGregor

The source of all his power.

Sport - UFC - Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor Press Conference - Dublin Convention Centre Source: PA Wire/Press Association Images

4. Graham Norton

A recent beard carrier. We approve.

The Graham Norton Show - London Source: PA Wire/Press Association Images

3. Michael Fassbender

An intermittent beard, but such a joy to behold when it graces us with its presence. Throw away those Gilettes Michael. Bin them. Good man.

The 86th Academy Awards - Arrivals - Los Angeles

2. Shane Lynch

Magnifique.

MAGNIFIQUE.

British Summertime Festival - London Source: Ian West

1. Jamie Dornan

Sir. You have outdone yourself. Fetch our smelling salts.

Fifty Shades Of Grey UK Premiere - London Source: Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment

The Graham Norton Show - London Source: Jonathan Brady

Fifty Shades of Grey Premiere - 65th Berlinale Film Festival Source: Michael Sohn

*But let us know what you think in the comments section. Beards forever. 

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About the author:

Emer McLysaght

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