Nicola Coughlan's Journey From Galway to Derry Girls to Bridgerton | Made In Ireland

Nicola Coughlan - star of Derry Girls and Netflix's Bridgerton - takes us on a personal tour of her life in Ireland, going back to where it all began in Galway.
In her episode of Made In Ireland, Nicola reveals how a camcorder gifted to her by her older brother kicked started her love of the arts. From there we learn how she got her big break, how she made Derry Girl Claire come to life, and what it means to her to be a Featherington.
We visit some of her favourite places, including her family home, her primary school, and her university. Along the way we meet the siblings who encouraged her, the primary school teacher who guided her, and the best friend she still has to this day.
BRIDGERTON
The eight close-knit siblings of the Bridgerton family look for love and happiness in London high society. Inspired by Julia Quinn's bestselling novels, Nicola Coughlan plays Penelope Featherington.
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Nicola Coughlan's Journey From Galway to Derry Girls to Bridgerton | Made In Ireland
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[@passivesmoker451]

I adored her in Derry Girls and she was really the reason that I tuned in to Bridgerton! I was so excited that she got “that” role! I can’t wait for Pen and Colin’s season!!!!

[@anitaxyz9767]

Omg you mean that Pen and Collin will get together?? I'm so excited!!!

[@passivesmoker451]

@@anitaxyz9767 🤐 stay tuned 😄 I know all the spoilers coz I’ve read the books. I hope the creators stay faithful to the series

[@meganjoellee]

Won’t be anytime soon.. as this storyline is in the forth book😅

[@SO-de2bn]

Me too I just hope they won't change the actress 🤞🤞

[@passivesmoker451]

@@SO-de2bn I don’t think that’s going to happen. Nicola was one of the first actors cast in the series.

[@maiaknox4368]

Until Nicola, I’d never seen an actress close to my height (5’1) and body type playing leading roles. It means a lot to me to see someone who looks like me on TV. I’m so happy for her and her continued success.

[@trinaq]

Nicola is a pure Irish treasure!🇮🇪 I can't believe that she's almost 34, she looks incredibly youthful for her age. I love hearing her natural accent, I'm so used to hearing Clare's nervous Derry twang! 😂

[@JKLoans]

She is what? You are a lying, liar, liarpants!

[@ellax325]

What??? I thought she was in her early 20s??

[@trinaq]

@@ellax325 That's right, Nicola was born on January 9th, 1987, but looks about a whole decade younger! 😉

[@Jed-sl7lg]

J. K. Losan you’re a weirdo. How are gonna say someone’s lying about their own opinion like what ???

[@shiningyoonie]

Shitz I thought she was just like 19 or 20 lol

[@johnhaymer5056]

I love her in all her roles and hope she gets a movie that really allows her to shine and introduce her to the world. Good luck .

[@trinaq]

Ditto, Nicola is definitely destined for bigger and brighter projects! 💖😍

[@ShesHereForTheMusic]

Yes. Agree. 💕

[@adetermined]

I want to see her play as her own age 😂 she's a teenager in everything

[@georgastyles4202]

@@trinaq l

[@AdrinaValeda]

I’m literally fangirling her right now. Such a beautiful personality

[@juliethomason1725]

C, hc

[@stillwatchingnetflix]

We are all Nicola Coughstans.

[@aniapiotrowska403]

@@stillwatchingnetflix k

[@aniapiotrowska403]

@@stillwatchingnetflix j

[@aniapiotrowska403]

@@stillwatchingnetflix i

[@isabelleer7501]

She sounds like a director!!! Hope she directs someday!!!

[@fredpoesie2429]

There is a director's sound ?

[@instrumentalista002]

she does NOT look 33. fountain of youth!

[@mediacenterman8583]

I still can't believe it.

[@aniapiotrowska403]

@@mediacenterman8583 kil

[@aniapiotrowska403]

@@mediacenterman8583 k

[@orianamandi]

WHAT?!! She's 33?!!!!!😱😱😱😱

[@lubomiraorsulova6567]

@@aniapiotrowska403 %

[@Rayna429]

Every character in Bridgerton is unforgettable. You can tell they ALL take pride in the project and their craft. Truly refreshing to watch & Nicola was absolutely adorable even when she was being a crafty minx

[@stillwatchingnetflix]

I just spat out my tea at that final phrase.

[@zeenatparveen9167]

I was stunned when i learnt she is 34 and plays half her age in bridgerton. Never could I have doubted her age, she played the part of Penelope flawlessly and effortlessly. She is the real "diamond of the first waters".

[@paolaa.calderonsanchez4666]

Nicola proves she's a dynamic serious professional actress.

[@vandy5206]

I love how she can play teenagers and nobody questions it. I kind of felt like Eloise might've been a bit older but u could've told me she was 21 irl and I would've believed it.

[@musicismylovee14]

“Last time we were at university was...2008?” Me: Wait what? *googles Nicola’s age* How is she 34?!?!

[@emeraldaize]

I KNOW RIGHT?? I'm 17 and I thought we were the same age :")

[@TheAaronChand]

She was born in January of 1987

[@spacebar9733]

she and her bff have been together for 26 years!!

[@pineapplesofia5860]

My friend was checking her out on the till in tesco the last day and didnt realise it was nicola until she asked her for id, she was very embarrassed to have just asked a 33 year old for her id and the fact that it was The Clare Devlin from Derry girls only added to it

[@bernadettebailey5370]

Nicola is absolutely adorable. I loved seeing her in "Bridgerton." She stole the show, imo. Love from California!

[@hizee5515]

God Im so happy she is getting bigger roles and more recognition, I love everything she's played so far.

[@ljfenners3887]

Beautiful girl inside and out, so happy she’s being recognized!

[@abaddonnnnn]

I was shaken to my core when I found out she’s 33 🥴 I literally thought she was like 18-20

[@mchjsosde]

I think she is one of the most beautiful actresses I've ever watched! And yet her talent outshines even her natural looks

[@cheririce739]

I cannot wait until the next season of Derry Girls. I always watch that scene where she talks about fighting the little girl for the perfect spot at the Clinton visit. I CRACK up. And I’ve read the Julia Quinn books Bridgestone is based on. I hope they get to Penelope and Colin’s story

[@yourmotherhatesyou641]

I dont know if Derry girls is even coming back. They were meant to come out with the 3rd season in 2020, but i guess not ;(

[@AB-kc9qv]

@@yourmotherhatesyou641 they were meant to start filming last March, I believe. But that got postponed, due to lockdown.

[@garyhutton2654]

I can't wait

[@kumarraaj1]

My favorite character from Derry Girls, and now in Bridgerton.. OMG I love her.. ❤️

[@stillwatchingnetflix]

2:26 is pure Derry Girls gold

[@TheGlobalExpats]

She is fantastic in both Derry Girls & Bridgerton! So nice to get a glimpse into her life and looking forward to hopefully seeing her in more shows soon!

[@kathycookson1859]

She’s the best, lovely to find out about her background.

[@moonstruckfaye]

Give her all the roles and all the opportunities! Love her, seeing her in Bridgerton made me so happy! And her backstory makes me root for her even more, so glad she is finally getting a chance to shine! Also: she is genuinely funny, I love her sense of humour.

[@ashy1587]

Love her, it's so cool to see an Irish person who isn't just from Dublin go big!😂.

[@Earthsuitlife]

Lovely authentic lass. Natural actress. Grateful for where she has come from and for where she is. Look forward to seeing her more.

[@sunnyray4065]

I hope one day she gets an Oscar or something!

[@Canuckmom128]

Sweet Jeezuzz…I can’t believe she is in her 30s…she could easily pass for 17. I thought her siblings were her Parents before the captions came up. I’m so delighted for her and all the Derry Girls cast - what a Fabulous show, and her Pen in Bridgerton is awesome. Well on her way to an amazing career.

[@alexodoherty909]

She really is an inspiration to all young Irish girls that dream to be actress’s. watching her makes me feel as if it’s possible for me too. And she’s just amazing in EVERYTHING she is in !!💕

[@bekytg9393]

Her character in Bridgerton, is one of my favourites. Will have to put Derry Girls on my list to watch.

[@shannon5927]

Watched bridgerton because I saw she was in it! Loved her in Derry Girls. Can’t wait to see her in more!

[@suntabulous]

i absolutely adore her! huge reason i decided to watch bridgerton was because of her! i love her in derry girls

[@selenagomez4everf18]

i can’t wait for Season 3 of Derry Girls 😩😩😩

[@nicolea5992]

Awww, I hope you do these with every main cast member! How great to see their history and journey to Bridgerton!

[@JamesFluker]

I see the words Nicola Coughlan, I click like. We stan!

[@marvinraphaelmonfort8289]

beautiful! love how the clothes picked coincided with her love for dorothy. thankyou for this and kudos, nicola!

[@lesliemadariaga8207]

It really calls my attention that actors and generally famous people from Ireland seem so normal and are so humble ! ❤ she is also such a good actress, sometimes I cannot believe that derry girls and bridgerton characters are so different and she personifies them so well ! Brilliant and such a nice woman !

[@flopofshame2582]

Whoever cast this show was a genius. ‘Derry Girls’ is such a great show. I live in Los Angeles ,California and binged the whole series in a couple days

[@angiep9996]

She was totally my favorite character, so beautiful ❤️

[@crypticwonder8119]

She's an absolute treasure

[@lonelypotato6175]

i fell in love with nicola in bridgerton (quite literally) and i can’t wait for her season in may. i’m now watching derry girls and will follow all her upcoming projects :)

[@bg9217]

We need season 3 already!! I can't keep watching 1 & 2 for years. I need more!!!❤️😍🥰🤩

[@betsylotr7]

I absolutely love Nicola. I wish I could give her a huge hug and be her friend. She is such a joy to watch. I hope the industry doesn't extinguish her light.

[@ronankeavs9817]

Making me proud to be from Galway. Hope she achieves everything she ever wanted and more..

[@jonathanayson1672]

Kudos to her drama teacher and all the teachers who inspire their students

[@schim516]

This gave me all the feels. I loved it. So happy for her and wish her continued success.

[@sheilaa6130]

I loved her in Derry Girls and was very excited to see her in Bridgerton! Can’t wait to see her in more roles!

[@shannonhawkins2739]

My heart kicked in my stomach for a second when they showed NUIG. I did a semester at the school in 2016 (I’m American), and I sincerely miss is. Keep having dreams I’m back in Galway, and I need to stop kicking dirt and go back for a visit. I only lived in Ireland for four months, but Galway still has an element of “home” to me. Blew my mind away when I found out two weeks ago Nicola’s from Galway and did NUIG time!

[@yourrrsmile]

Love her, such a pure soul!

[@mariabeatriza800]

she's just so precious 💖

[@deirdreruane8104]

Gosh Nicola is radiant...its the Galway in her..and the goodness of her..

[@KeepAnEyeOnDan]

Nicola: My best friend is the best friend I've had since I was seven years old, Maeve Me: Maeve? That's her name is it? Maeve? That's what she's called is she? Maeve? Maeve? Really? Maeve?

[@loriivm]

😂😂

[@GrainneMhaol]

Why does your mother make that sound?

[@angiep9996]

😂😂😂

[@anna_nikole]

Thought the same 😂

[@gentianviolet2785]

@@GrainneMhaol winking? AT YOUR AGE?! Christ I feel sick😣

[@jemimajanvier4706]

I love Nicola, Derry Girls is such a great show and I was happy to see her play Penelope in Bridgerton❣️

[@lunalevi7482]

She's so wonderful ❤

[@mutemiwanjiku]

this was so beautiful to watch

[@MG-tb1kz]

She is so lovely & down to earth, no diva in sight, health & happiness for 2021😀

[@summeroflove394]

She is just so joyful and I love watching her in Derry Girls and Bridgerton

[@Sanchezgcs]

I have rewatched Derry girls so many times !!!😍😍😍😍😍 helped me during the quarantine

[@graveyardblunt]

I knew I recognized her from somewhere when I watched Bridgerton, took me a minute to figure out it’s Derry Girls, and she’s my favorite character on both shows

[@starbucksmocha88]

Haha same here! I was like omg where have I seen her before!? And then when I looked her up and saw she was Clare from Derry Girls I was blown away! She's amazing!

[@luvhart]

You know you’ve made it when a Nicola Coughlin video randomly pops up on your feed and you instantly have to watch it

[@MegaJohnOtto]

Love her!! Pen was the first character I’ve seen from her and she was amazing! Love from an Actor in South Africa 🇿🇦!

[@00sophiiiie00]

one of my fav irish actors !!!🇮🇪☘️she's so good at doing accents as well !

[@ANDREVILAFRANCA]

She's great! I can't wait for DERRY GIRLS season 3.

[@missa8438]

Big fan of Nicola 💖 hope to see more of her in 2021 coz she deserves all the blessings

[@youyou9405]

Thank you so much for this interview, you portrayed Nicola’s character perfectly well. Beautifully shot and extremely well executed. Nicola’s commentary was just spot-on, I almost felt a yearning to go back to Galloway and visit all the places she mentioned. ❤️

[@alicequayle4625]

I just realised that Galloway and Galway are basically the same.

[@juliadaum8700]

I loved her in Derry Girls SO MUCH. Clare was the BEST. She was simply amazing in Bridgerton as well and I am just so excited and proud of her omg yes queen

[@hazel354]

Absolute GOLD, on Derry Girls and now she’s on Bridgerton, can’t wait to see you do more, With your talented self 🧡

[@mikimouse8909]

So happy for Nicola! Now hopefully we can get the other Derry kids on more mainstream projects!

[@brynb9493]

she’s so talented and gorgeous! we love to see it!

[@MateoQuixote]

Love her so much, she's so wonderful and such an amazing actress

[@Logladysays]

Absolutely did not think I could love Nicola more - then I watched this x :)

[@alloallie]

Loooove Nicola. To me, she brings this joy in any role she plays. But also, I need to visit Galway now, thanks !

[@marykerrigan6462]

Aw man its so great to see this, waiting to get home for over a year with pandemic, just super nice to see shots of home.

[@feliciabascuguin]

this is so heartwarming i can't

[@donnaxdenton]

Well done Nicola, such a great actress. One to watch ⭐

[@lisamauti8196]

I am late to Derry Girls, and cannot wait for Season 3 now. Was not going to watch Bridgerton, but, because of her I will give it a try! Wonderful actress and artist. The case of Derry Girls are amazing.

[@hpk123]

This is such a sweet video. So happy for Nicola’s artistic journey.

[@ameliaim7357]

She’s a pure gem

[@annajuliareis8315]

i am here because of derry girls! she is really an amazing actress!!

[@Drexxaal]

What a lovely young woman! The way she sees her world is breathtaking n beautiful! I hope she writes a script n makes her own film! She has the talent 2 do it n the drive n it would b amazing!

[@maggiem733]

Loved her in everything she’s done 😍

[@Chrystle823]

Ugh she’s such a talent, I hope to work with her one day

[@mollyradabaugh9095]

Nicola's style is AMAZING

[@3lizabethrose]

Galway is truly a lovely town, so lively. And it definitely had the best hotel breakfast I’ve ever eaten.

[@katiaramirez3709]

I admire and love her sooo much. Shes simply amazing cant wait for season 3 of bridgerton I Just cant. 🙆‍♀️💛🧡😭😭😭😭

[@liz8129]

Honestly started watching Bridgerton for Nicola and Jonathan Bailey. But she will always be Clare for me.

[@taylormatson6281]

I loved my visit to Galway! I wish I could have stayed longer and seen more of the city.

[@ninachen6777]

I really love her voice😍 and her acting!! she is amazing

[@kathleen7849]

What a gorgeous place and I love her bright and colourful fashion sense.

[@rumaddzero9100]

This is so weird seeing people walk around your home

[@Al-zm2sc]

Ikr

[@mochi_ani]

absolutely positively completely obsessed with Nicola 💿💗

[@Jusher64]

What a talented and beautiful young woman. Watching Derry girls now and I live it. Hysterical!

[@asefahafeez8910]

Derry girls is the best thing in the world. 🤗

[@roxxylala26]

I love her character & the show. ❤️❤️❤️

[@victoriascholl4607]

I really enjoyed this romance drama! The cast was great!

[@meiagal]

She's immensely talented!!

[@camkatr]

I could listen to her beautiful Irish accent all day!

[@lilkirsche]

Ooh how I miss Ireland, damn Covid. 😭😭😭 Can't wait to travel there asap. ❤️❤️ Love the whole country, every city/town and especially the nature are just beautiful. The people are so lovely.

[@bettyslowwastelife9731]

I love her vintage style! ❤️

[@postinc]

Now I have to watch Bridgerton only for HERRRR. Sending love from 🇵🇰

[@neecy1000]

Love her in Derry girls and Bridgerton, she is definitely one talented actress.