Belfast comedian Paddy McDonnell started his career in 2011 and shortly after was supporting acts like Des Bishop and Ardal O’Hanlon. McDonnell has since built a strong reputation across the UK and Ireland by turning everyday observations into hilarious anecdotes.

Paddy largely bases his comedy on tales of working as a taxi man, alongside everyday stories of being a husband and father. To date, McDonnell has had five solo shows, with his Dagger show being the highlight of the Belfast Belly Laughs Festival in 2015, selling out and garnering 5-star reviews.

Paddy is a regular performer at all the main Belfast comedy nights, has hosted The Empire’s “Belfast Laughs Back” comedy club, and was the first comedian to have played the West Belfast Féile six times. He has shared the stage with acts including Frankie Boyle, Jason Manford, Paddy Kielty and Andrew Maxwell.

Paddy has previously sold out solo headline shows at Belfast venues such as Limelight, Ulster Hall, The Waterfront Hall and two SSE Arena shows. Autumn 2026 promises more success when he tours his brand new show, Gout’s Out, nationwide. In this hilarious new show, Paddy talks about getting older, dealing with gout, and the perils of still trying to act like a young man through boxing and raising kids.