There has been a 58% increase in the number of applications to the Trinity College academy where nine of the cast of Normal People learnt their craft since the TV drama series was broadcast last year.
It was a case of art imitating life when several graduates of the Lir National Academy of Dramatic Art landed roles in the coming-of-age love story, which was partly set in Trinity.
The series, based on the bestselling book by Irish author Sally Rooney, was adapted for the screen by Element Pictures and became the most watched programme on the BBC iPlayer last year with 62.7 million views.
Jessica Hilliard, director of marketing at the Lir Academy, said: “Applications opened in September and it was quite evident early on