text: People Boyle is the birthplace of actress Maureen O'Sullivan (Jane in the Tarzan movies), writer Patrick Chapman, Suffragette and women's rights campaigner Margaret Cousins, physician Robert Cryan, and hometown of actor and comedian Chris O'Dowd. O'Dowd filmed segments of his comedy Moone Boy in the town during 2012 and 2013. Neville Knott, interior designer and television personality also lives locally, and orchestral conductor Michael Bowles (1909–1998) grew up in Boyle.
  The writer John McGahern grew up near Boyle and Boyle is mentioned in several of his books. In his novel The Dark, a scene is played out in the dining room of the former Royal Hotel, overlooking the river.
  Singer John Reilly lived in Boyle, and is credited by Christy Moore as a source of several well-known folk standards. Other local recording artists include The Grehan Sisters, who hosted Christy Moore's first broadcast as a guest on their BBC radio series. London-born John Carty is an Irish traditional musician and has lived in Boyle since 2003.
  Caitlín Ní Thoirbheird was a Conradh na Gaeilge activist and Irish language educator in the early 20th century. She spent her life in Boyle.
  Arts festival
  Boyle Arts Festival is a summer event and has been held since 1990 - with the 2016 event billed as the 27th festival. Events include an art exhibition of works by contemporary Irish artists, classical and traditional music, poetry, drama, lectures and children's events.