How to Get to Heaven from Belfast marks a major reunion for Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee — and, along with its stars, the cast includes other familiar faces.
The new Netflix series follows Saoirse, Robyn and Dara, three estranged friends pulled back together after the sudden death of their childhood pal, Greta. Returning to her hometown should offer closure. Instead, it opens the door to something far darker.
From the moment they arrive, it’s clear Knockdara is hiding secrets — and the further the trio dig, the more dangerous the truth becomes.
With the series streaming on Netflix now, this is a full breakdown of the cast and who they play.
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast cast and characters
Roísín Gallagher as Saoirse
Saoirse is a successful and frazzled TV writer, best known for creating a hit crime drama that may be spiralling out of her control. Brilliant but chaotic, she’s one-third of the show’s central trio and often the spark that pushes the group into trouble.
Gallagher has appeared in The Dry, Lazarus and The Fall, alongside an extensive theatre career.
Sinéad Keenan as Robyn
Robyn is sharp-tongued, quick-tempered and the emotional bruiser of the group. A married mother of three, she’s brutally honest and fiercely loyal — even when it hurts.
Keenan is best known for her performances in Unforgotten, Little Boy Blue and Silent Witness. Her brother, Rory (who appeared in Peaky Blinders), is married to Gemma Arterton, one of the Bond girls in Quantum of Solace.
Caoilfhionn Dunne as Dara
Dara is the moral compass — to a fault. Caring for her mother and reluctant to leave home, she’s thoughtful, eccentric and often the one thinking five steps ahead.
Dunne has appeared in Ghosts, Chernobyl, Saint Maud, Doctor Who and Andor.
Tom Basden as Seb
Seb is Saoirse’s fiancé and an English TV director. Earnest, anxious and well-meaning, he’s mostly ignored by Saoirse during her adventure.
Basden is known for After Life, Plebs and The Ballad of Wallis Island.
Michelle Fairley as Margo
Margo is Greta’s intimidating, tightly controlled mother — and a psychotherapist by trade. Her presence looms large over the town and the mystery at the heart of the series.
Fairley famously played Catelyn Stark in Game of Thrones and also stars in Gangs of London.
Josh Finan as Jason
Jason is an unsettling figure tied closely to Greta’s past. His introduction raises more questions than answers (but we can’t say anything else).
Finan has appeared in Baby Reindeer, Black Mirror, Say Nothing, and The Responder.
Bronagh Gallagher as Booker
Booker is a cold, calculating presence with direct links to Greta’s death. Little is revealed upfront — and for good reason.
Gallagher is known for The Commitments, Pulp Fiction, Brassic and Accused.
Darragh Hand as Liam
Liam is a local mechanic who also serves as a police officer. He forms an immediate connection with Saoirse — one that complicates things quickly.
Hand has previously appeared in Silent Witness, Grace and Heartstopper.
Ardal O’Hanlon as Seamus
Seamus is the relentlessly upbeat hotel manager who keeps smiling, even when Knockdara is hit with a huge storm.
O’Hanlon is best known as Dougal in Father Ted and previously appeared in Derry Girls.
Natasha O’Keeffe as Greta
Greta’s death is the catalyst for everything, and her shadow hangs over every episode.
O’Keeffe is known for Peaky Blinders, Misfits and The Wheel of Time.
Emmett J. Scanlan as Owen
Owen is Greta’s husband and the town’s chief inspector. Guarded, intense and deeply suspicious, he may know more than he’s letting on.
Scanlan has appeared in Peaky Blinders, Gangs of London, Kin. He also starred as Hollyoaks ‘bad boy’ Brendan Brady until 2023.
Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Feeney
Jackson appears late in the series as Feeney, a character with ties to Greta. Her role is pivotal, but best left unspoiled.
Jackson rose to fame as Erin in Derry Girls and has since starred in The Doll Factory and This City Is Ours.
Art Campion as Jim
Jim is Robyn’s husband — grounded, patient and often on the receiving end of her fury.
Campion previously appeared in Derry Girls, Peaky Blinders and Blue Lights.
Read more: The best movies on Netflix right now
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is streaming now on Netflix.
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