The first thing that attracts me to any script is the writing. If I find myself becoming lost in a good yarn, then I feel certain that others will, too.

I sometimes think it's like a weird elastic band. The more tragic your work is, the quicker you snap back. There's a catharsis in telling a miserable old tale; you get rid of demons.

There are some roles you just don't say 'no' to. Those compass points: you get them so rarely as an actress.

I don't look like Catherine Zeta-Jones, so I don't think Hollywood would be that interested in me, to be honest. I just want nice work.

As I get older, I want to draw on my experience to make roles better. I see that in the older women who inspire me - their experience makes them better.

Nothing is more diminishing than trying to control success or hold on to things.

People at a point of conflict are always the most interesting stories to tell.

You can't worry too much about profile; otherwise, you become a different kind of actor, and that's not the kind of actor I want to be.

There are people out there with three jobs and small children. Being an actor is a walk in the park compared to working as a cleaner overnight. I'm lucky I'm not plucking chickens.

You just grow up and learn to think instead of just feel.

When I started drama school, theatre was the main draw. I never had any movie star notions. Not that there were family ties to the theatre, either.

Develop yourself from practice to become exceptional. Aim to be the blue ribbon best.

Haters are your most dedicated fans: ordinary fans can be disappointed in you or can get tired of you etc. but haters never.

We knew not where we were going. We only knew that we must run, run to the end of the world, run to the end of our days.

A living museum must surely see itself as a locus of argument. A breathing art institution is not a lockup but a moveable feast.

Going back to Ireland involves at least six to seven emotional breakdowns for me per day.

Pain is a gift. Humanity, without pain, would know neither fear nor pity.

Those who are heartless, once cared too much.

About no subject are poets tempted to lie so much as about their own lives.

Be willing to be a child and be the Lilliputian in the world of Gulliver.

One of the things I enjoy most about writing historical romance is researching inspiring backgrounds and settings.