1. Thalia Heffernan
Model Thalia Heffernan has already has a smashing year, after signing with infamous London agency Elite Models, but we think 2016 will really be her year.
The striking beauty is definitely the next big star to come out of Ireland, and with stunning campaigns with the likes of Brown Thomas, we can see why she’s in demand.
Two words: Victoria’s Secret. We think Thalia could strut her stuff comfortably alongside the likes of Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner.
She’s also recently single, so Thalia is definitely the hottest single lady in the country right now.
2. Gavin James
2015 was the year that everything kicked off for singer-songwriter Gavin James, but 2016 will be the year he smashes the charts world wide.
He’s already toured with Sam Smith, supported Ed Sheeran and his debut album Bitter Pill just went Gold, so next year the Dubliner will be hitting the ground running.
With Ed Sheeran and Hozier both taking breaks in 2016, this is the year Gavin can nab the number one spot worldwide.
3. HometownÂ
Another music act to keep your eyes peeled for is Hometown.
2015 was a year filled with number 1 hits, a serious amount of radio play and working with some of the biggest song writers in the world.
Not only did their song The Night We Met get penned by One Direction’s Liam Payne, but Louis Walsh’s boyband also worked with Kodaline and Ed Sheeran.
2016 is the year the lads will hit the UK, and with One Direction on their hiatus this is the perfect time for Hometown to strike while the iron’s hot.
4. James Kavanagh
This year was definitely the year of Snapchat, and one of the app’s biggest Irish stars is James Kavanagh.
The PR professional has brightened up thousands and thousands of people’s days with hilarious videos – including scaring his boyfriend William on a regular basis and getting everyone to “present themselves”.
This year James became a social media star, with fans often stopping in the street for selfies.
2016 will be an even bigger year for James, and with the way Snapchat is going this could become his full time career.
5. Joanna Cooper
The newly crowned Miss Universe Ireland Joanna Cooper is definitely a star on the rise.
I am slightly biases as I picked her to go forward to represent Ireland, alongside judges Roz Purcell, Suzanne Jackson, Marc O’Neill and James Kavanagh.
While over in Vegas competing at Miss Universe, the Derry beauty became a hot favourite, and even appeared on E! News.
I see big things for this stunner, and as she continue to promotes height issues within the modelling industry, I think she’s a great inspiration to young girls.
6. James Patrice
Another huge name to come out of Snapchat this year is James Patrice.
The MFI Magazine Fashion Editor and TV Presenter has become known for his hilarious snaps – especially for broadcasting his amazing mother Fron.
James has also had slots on Ireland AM as well as working with RTE on a children’s show.
He’s already working with top brands and things will only get better in 2016.
7. Blathnaid Treacy
Blathnaid Treacy has always been a favourite in RTE, but now that she’s moved to 2FM she’s about to become a household name.
The blonde has been working on Two Tube but has now landed her own radio show.
The bubbly presenter is a favourite with 2FM bosses, and with the station focusing on a younger audience Blathnaid is about to land in the spotlight.
8. Stephen Byrne
Another Two Tube star who’s made the move to 2FM is Stephen Byrne.
The presenter took over Ryan Tubridy’s morning slot on 2FM before he moved to RTE Radio 1, and we’re hearing Stephen will be getting his own show in 2016.
He’s interviewed some huge stars and attended Oscar parties for RTE, but this year radio will be his big triumph.
9. Louise O’Neill
This year’s most talked about Irish book was definitely Louise O’Neill’s Asking For It.
At just 30, Louise has already won prestigious book awards, and her book Only Ever Yours is being adapted into a movie.
Louise is definitely one of Ireland’s rising talents and we’re tipping her for international success. She’s also awesome to follow on Twitter too (@oneilllo).
10. Eoin Macken
Dublin actor Eoin Macken already has a legion of fans thanks to his role in BBC’s Merlin, but 2016 is all about Eoin’s film work.
Eoin has already become a success on the small screen in the US, thanks to his lead role in TV drama Night Shift, but he’s about to hit it big time in the movie world.
The former Fair City star just recently wrapped filming the latest Resident Evil movie: Retribution and filmed alongside Milla Jovovich and Ali Larter.
He’s also a successful author and film maker in his own right.
11. Aidan Turner
Sticking with actors, Aidan Turner had a huge year in 2015, but 2016 is the year he’ll cement his career.
The hunky star was cast as Poldark in the hugely popular BBC drama this year, and he’s already moved on to other productions, including Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.
We think this is the year Aidan will take on Hollywood and he will definitely win at that game.
12. Roisin O
I’ve always been a huge fan of singer-songwriter Roisin O.
The daughter of well-known musicians Mary Black and little sister to Coronas frontman Danny O’Reilly, Roisin has become a star in her own right.
2016 will be a huge year for Roisin because she will be performing at the annual Oscar Wilde party hosted by JJ Abrams during Oscar week.
13. Sam Keeley
Another actor to add to the list is former Raw star Sam Keeley.
He’s been out of the spotlight for a while but that’s because he’s been working hard making movies with Hollywood A-listers.
This year saw Sam in Ron Howard’s latest flick In The Heart of The Sea, based on the Moby Dick tale.
The What Richard Did actor also filmed the sequel to Monsters and we’re tipping him as the next big star to come out of Ireland.
14. Aoife Walsh
The former Miss Ireland has already seen her star rise since handing over her title this year, but the Tipperary red head has another successful year ahead.
The Andrea Roche model has been one of the busiest models in Ireland this year, and even fronted the Newbridge Guinness campaign plus she just recently became a presenter for Irish TV.
With a TV career on the horizon and more modelling work, Aoife is set to become a household name for years to come.
15. Laura Mullet
Last but certainly not least, Wexford stylist (and Aoife’s room mate) Laura Mullet has a huge year ahead of her.
She’s already styled the likes of Madeline Mulqueen for the Transformers promo tour and she styled Amanda Byram for the TV IFTAs, making her debut alongside Amanda on the red carpet.
With more TV work, stunning editorial shoots and more award shows, 2016 will bring Laura into the spotlight even further.
