Ireland

'Call the accent police': Co Down actor Jamie Dornan is talk of Twitter for attempt at southern Irish accent

Co Down actor Jamie Dornan stars alongside Emily Blunt in Wild Mountain Thyme
Co Down actor Jamie Dornan stars alongside Emily Blunt in Wild Mountain Thyme Co Down actor Jamie Dornan stars alongside Emily Blunt in Wild Mountain Thyme

CO Down actor Jamie Dornan is the talk of the internet for his attempt at a southern Irish accent following the release of a trailer for his new movie.

The Holywood heartthrob stars opposite US actress Emily Blunt in Wild Mountain Thyme, which is set in Mullingar in Co Westmeath.

In a trailer for the romantic drama, which is an adaptation of American playwright John Patrick Shanley's Outside Mullingar, both actors have been criticised for their less than impressive 'Oirish' accents.

Dornan and Blunt play neighbouring farmers Anthony and Rosemary and pursue a winding romance set amid the picturesque landscapes of rural Ireland.

Christopher Walken and Jon Hamm also star, although there has been no backlash to their accents on social media as yet.

One comment read: "You know it’s bad when Christopher Walken’s Irish accent is better than Jamie Dornan’s", while another said: "Jamie Dornan's Irish accent is the worst Irish accent I have ever heard and he's from Down. How is that even possible?"

The National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland tweeted: "Even we think this is a bit much."

Wild Mountain Thyme joins a long list of Hollywood films criticised for their Irish cliches and ropey accents, including Far and Away starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt's The Devil's Own.

The Irish Embassy in Washington said: "To be fair, Irish accents are hard (we struggle with them at times).

"But otherwise #WildMountainThyme looks great. And, in Jamie Dornan & Emily Blunt, presents a remarkably realistic depiction, visually at least, of the average Irish man & woman. Truly, we are a beautiful people."

The Dublin Airport Authority also had its say.

"There's fashion police, grammar police, we even have airport police.

"Is there such a thing as accent police? If so somebody better call 'em.

"On the upside Ireland looks nice."

Wild Mountain Thyme, which was filmed largely in Co Mayo, is set for release on December 11.