Actor, stand-up, writer and presenter Kevin McGahern is one of Ireland’s favourite comedians, famed for his observational, surreal and satirical style. He is best known for shows such as Republic of Telly and Hardy Bucks, for his critically acclaimed stand-up, and for writing the award-winning play The Devil’s Ceili.
McGahern started stand-up in 2009 whilst working behind the bar at the International Bar, home to one of Ireland’s most well-known and loved comedy clubs. Shortly after, he landed a role in Chris Tordoff’s mockumentary series Hardy Bucks, which brought him to a wider audience, and kicked off his screen career. McGahern has since starred in the miniseries Student/Teacher and the Alison Spittle hit Nowhere Fast, and has made appearances in shows including Bridget & Eamon and Finding Joy. He has served as a long-running host of RTÉ’s Republic of Telly, fronted the documentaries Kevin McGahern’s America and Kevin McGahern’s Fast & Furious, and has appeared in Virgin Media Two’s Box Office.
McGahern has performed at festivals including Vodafone Comedy Festival, Forbidden Fruit, Kilkenny Cat Laughs, and Electric Picnic, and made his Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut in 2019 with the acclaimed show Taking Off. With Philip Doherty, he wrote and directed the play The Devil’s Ceili, which was named Best Play at the All Ireland Drama Festival. McGahern is a passionate advocate for a number of issues, and has used his comedy to support causes such as the 2015 marriage equality referendum.