Louisa Harland

Last updated on the 11 May 2025 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 31 January 1993, Dublin, Ireland. 

Louisa Harland demonstrated an early interest in the performing arts. Raised in a creatively stimulating environment, she received early encouragement to pursue her artistic interests. Details about her early schooling are not widely publicised, but it is known that she pursued her passion for acting through formal training. She attended the Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin), where she studied drama, honing her skills and developing her craft in preparation for a professional career in acting.

Louisa Harland’s career began to gain momentum with several notable roles in television. One of her early significant appearances was in the Irish drama series “Love/Hate”, where she portrayed the character of Kayleigh. This role provided her with valuable on-screen experience and introduced her to a wider audience in Ireland. However, it was her portrayal of Orla McCool in the critically acclaimed and popular Channel 4 sitcom “Derry Girls” that truly brought her international recognition. Orla, with her quirky demeanour and distinctive personality, became a fan favourite and Harland’s comedic timing and subtle performance were widely praised. The success of “Derry Girls” significantly elevated her profile and opened doors to further opportunities.

Following the success of “Derry Girls”, Harland has continued to build her acting portfolio with diverse roles in both film and television. She appeared in the thriller film “Lost in London” (2017) and has taken on other television projects that showcase her range as an actress beyond comedy.

In terms of her personal life, Louisa Harland tends to keep a relatively low profile. Publicly available information about her romantic relationships and private life is limited, as she appears to prefer focusing on her professional career. However, through interviews and social media, she has shown a down-to-earth personality and a dedication to her craft. As her career continues to evolve, she remains a talent to watch in the acting world, with the potential for further significant roles in the future.

Suggested viewing

Renegade Nell (2024)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.3

A clever and brave young woman wrongly accused of murder finds herself becoming the most infamous criminal in 18th-century England. With the sudden appearance of a mystical figure named Billy, Nell discovers that her fate holds far greater significance than she had ever anticipated.

Top cast: Louisa Harland, Frank Dillane, Alice Kremelberg, Enyi Okoronkwo, Bo Bragason, Florence Keen, Nick Mohammed, Jake Dunn, Pip Torrens, Joely Richardson.

Derry Girls (2018)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.5

“Derry Girls” is a comedy-drama set in 1990s Northern Ireland, following a group of teenage girls through adolescence amidst the backdrop of The Troubles. The show’s witty humour, relatable characters and charming storytelling explore friendship, family dynamics and the challenges of growing up in a politically unstable environment with heartwarming authenticity.

Top cast: Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Dylan Llewellyn, Tara Lynne O’Neill, Kathy Kiera Clarke, Tommy Tiernan, Ian McElhinney, Siobhán McSweeney.

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)