Simone Kirby

Simone Kirby (born 28 October 1976) is an Irish actress renowned for her versatile performances across film, television, and stage. She first gained widespread attention with her role as Oonagh in Ken Loach’s critically acclaimed film Jimmy’s Hall, a performance that showcased her ability to convey deep emotional nuance in a period setting. Following that, Kirby became a familiar face in British and Irish television, notably portraying Irene O'Donnell in the gritty crime drama Peaky Blinders (2014) and Tracey Moynihan in the popular Irish series Love/Hate (2014), both roles demonstrating her talent for inhabiting complex, morally ambiguous characters. In addition to on‑screen work, she has earned praise for her work in Notes on Blindness (2016) as Marilyn Hull, where her subtle and compassionate portrayal contributed to the film’s exploration of sensory loss and adaptation. Kirby’s foray into fantasy cinema includes the role of Tyva Hightopp in Alice Through The Looking Glass (2016), where she brought a whimsical yet grounded presence to a fantastical world, and she appeared as Sr. Grace in the television series Houdini and Doyle (2016), further diversifying her genre repertoire. On the stage, she has delivered powerful performances in a range of classic and contemporary works, from Dancing at Lughnasa at The Old Vic to Macbeth at Shakespeare’s Globe, proving her command of both Irish and international theatrical traditions. Her collaborations with renowned companies such as the Druid Theatre Company and the Abbey Theatre have seen her embody roles like Nuala in The Cavalcaders and Lady Teasle in The School For Scandal, displaying a mastery of both dramatic intensity and comedic timing. Beyond acting, Kirby co‑wrote and performed in the RTÉ comedy sketch show Meet Your Neighbours (2011) alongside P.J. Gallagher, highlighting her skill as a writer and performer in comedy. She continues to be an active and influential figure in the Irish entertainment industry, with recent work including the role of Dolores in Kneecap (2024) and a memorable turn as Geraldine Grehan in the RTÉ series Pure Mule. Her career, spanning nearly two decades, reflects a dedication to craft, a willingness to tackle diverse material, and a lasting impact on contemporary Irish storytelling.