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LAST WEEKEND SAW Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens play host to the Vodafone Comedy Festival with both Irish and international comics delighting thousands of Dubliners over the weekend.

While the festival played host to international acts like Jon Richardson, Nick Kroll, John Mulaney and more, it also provided a showcase for some of Ireland’s funniest comedians.

Like…

1. Maeve Higgins

We’re longtime fans of Maeve Higgins and last week’s festival allowed fans to get reacquainted with Higgins following her move to New York.

And we’re pleased to report that she’s in finer form than ever. (Seriously, her takedown of a racist audience member was on point.) With an appearance on Inside Amy Schumer under her belt and a regular live show with author Jon Ronson to boot, Higgins’ star just continues to rise.

It’s really time you got familiar.

2. Gearoid Farrelly

If you don’t know Farrelly yet, you should. Not only did the Dublin comic support the later Joan Rivers a few years ago, but he’s properly hilarious.

Listen to his podcast Fascinated here. 

3. Al Porter

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With a regular gig on 2fm, a starring role in the panto and several sellout comedy shows under his belt, Al Porter is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with.

The fact that he’s only 22 might make you feel a bit sick, but fortunately Porter is so damned funny and talented that you won’t even resent his youth.

4. Alison Spittle

A regular on Republic of Telly and a regular on the Dublin stand-up scene, this Westmeath girl can justifiably be described as one of the funniest women in Ireland.

She’s going places.

5. Conor O’Toole

Conor O’Toole has a grá for fonts… and making people laugh.

A veteran of the Dublin Fringe Festival, O’Toole is part of a crew of young Dublin comedians/creatives making the city a funnier and more vibrant place.

Check him out.

6. Edwin Sammon

Edwin Sammon is a very funny man. If you haven’t already, you need to watch him discuss being diagnosed with cancer. 

7. Eleanor Tiernan

You know her from Irish Pictorial Weekly, but if you haven’t seen Tiernan perform stand-up, you’re truly missing out. Hyena-like cackles guaranteed.

8. Tommy Tiernan

The great Tommy Tiernan was in flying form over the weekend and even took time to record a live episode of An Irishman Abroad. (Available for download now.)

9. David O’Doherty

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O’Doherty brought his cynical musings and tiny keyboard to the festival, and made everyone feel relieved that they weren’t the only one to feel a bit overwhelmed by that thing we call “life”.

And that’s why he’s one of the best in the biz.

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