Deirdre Donnelly is an Irish actress, based in Dublin who works in television, films and theatre.

Donnelly was a member of the Abbey Theatre Company for several years before leaving to work on the television series The Riordans. She appeared in 58 episodes of the television series Ballykissangel, from 1996 to 2001.

Early life
Donnelly is the third of four daughters. Her father was from Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin and her mother from Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan. Her sister Terry Donnelly is also an actress.

Donnelly grew up in Cullenswood House, Ranelagh, and was educated at Mount St. Anne's School in Milltown, South Dublin. She studied for two years at the Brendan Smith Theatre Academy and a further two years at the Abbey Theatre School of Acting.

In 2004, Donnelly completed postgraduate studies at UCD, receiving a first-class master's degree in Modern Drama Studies.