Irish Stand-Up Comedian, Mock The Week Host, BBC Presenter, Science Broadcaster, Author & BAFTA Games Awards Host
Dara Ó Briain is one of the most accomplished comedians working today, a commanding live performer, presenter, and writer with a reputation for intelligence, pace, and warmth on stage. He remains one of the UK and Ireland’s most in-demand touring acts, regularly selling out more than 75 theatre dates per tour. His connection with audiences is consistent and enduring; at Dublin’s Vicar Street, he holds the record for the highest number of shows performed in a single year, including an eight-night run in 2021.
On television, Dara is best known as the long-standing host of Mock The Week, where his sharp improvisation and control of the room helped drive the show to record audiences across more than twenty series. The programme returns in 2026 on TLC, with Dara once again at the helm. His stand-up specials, including Live at the Theatre Royal, Talks Funny, This Is the Show, Craic Dealer, and Crowd Tickler, have cemented his reputation for blending structured material with quickfire audience interaction. Alongside comedy, he has written several books exploring his passion for science and astronomy.
Beyond panel shows, Dara has built a broad and respected broadcasting career. He has presented Robot Wars, Stargazing Live, and Dara Ó Briain’s Science Club, bringing complex ideas to mainstream audiences with clarity and humour. He has also fronted documentaries such as Dara Ó Briain Meets Stephen Hawking and co-presented Three Men in a Boat alongside Griff Rhys Jones and Rory McGrath. His versatility extends to entertainment formats, including Blockbusters, as well as travel series like Dara and Ed’s Great Big Adventure. Away from television, he is a trusted and highly sought-after host for major events, including the BAFTA Games Awards, where his authority and wit strike the right tone for high-profile audiences.
Dara began his career in Irish television as a children’s presenter while performing stand-up on the circuit, following a degree in Mathematical Physics from University College Dublin. He rose to prominence on Don’t Feed The Gondolas and later co-founded Happy Endings Productions, producing the acclaimed Irish series The Panel. After moving to the UK, he quickly established himself, selling out multiple Edinburgh Fringe runs and becoming a regular on leading shows such as QI, Parkinson, and Friday Night with Jonathan Ross. Today, whether on stage, screen, or at live events, Dara Ó Briain delivers a confident, intelligent performance that engages audiences from the first moment.
Why Hire Dara Ó Briain?
- VIDEOS
- TESTIMONIALS
- SPEAKING TOPICS
- COSTS
“An excellent show, drenched in truth and intelligence, by a comedian at the top of his game, 5 stars.” – Metro
“Genuinely imaginative and ridiculously funny.” – The Independent
“One of the biggest and best comics in the country. Real class.” – Irish Times
“This is 100 per cent, grade A, pure uncut stand-up, and it’s simply brilliant. Ó Briain’s simply an astonishingly funny comic, hitting scorching form. 5 stars.” – Chortle
“Dara Ó Briain is phenomenal.” – The Stage
“Ó Briain’s solo shows just get better and better.” – The Observer
The cost of hiring Dara Ó Briain depends on your event format, location, duration and any travel requirements. For an accurate and tailored quote, please contact a SpeakOut booking agent for expert guidance.