Brian O'Nolan (Irish: Brian Ó Nualláin; 5 October 1911 – 1 April 1966) was an Irish novelist, playwright and satirist, considered a major figure in twentieth century Irish literature. Born in Strabane, County Tyrone, he is regarded as a key figure in postmodern literature. His English language novels, such as At Swim-Two-Birds, and The Third Policeman, were written under the nom de plume Flann O'Brien. His many satirical columns in The Irish Times and an Irish language novel An Béal Bocht were written under the name Myles na gCopaleen.
O'Nolan's novels have attracted a wide following for their bizarre humour and modernist metafiction. As a novelist, O'Nolan was influenced by James Joyce. He was nonetheless sceptical of the cult of Joyce which overshadows much of Irish writing, saying "I declare to God if I hear that name Joyce one more time I will surely froth at the gob."
The O'Brien dynasty were a royal dynasty who ruled Thomond, Ireland.
O'Brien is a common surname. See List of people named O'Brien.
O'Brien may also refer to:
O'Brien is a British talk show presented by James O'Brien. It was broadcast on ITV from 30 March 2015 to 10 April 2015.
The majority has been negative with Gerard O'Donovan of The Daily Telegraph describing the show as "low rent" and "disappointing".
O'Brien is a surname of Irish origin which has many variants in the Irish diaspora worldwide, such as O'Bryan, O'Brian, O'Briant, O'Brient, O'Bryant, O'Brine, O'Bryen etc., which all claim a general common ancestry with the original Gaelic surname being Ó Briain or Uí Briain. Notable people with the surname include: