- Padraic: (Age: 20 – 25. Lead)
- Davey: (Age: 17.[2] Lead)
- Donny: (Age: 45 – 50. Lead)
- Mairead: (Age: 16.[2] Lead)
- Christy: (Age: 30 – 50. Supporting)
- Brendan: (Age: 18 – 25. Supporting)
- Joey/James: (Age: 18 – 25. Supporting)
Certain productions might choose to double Joey and James, or have them played by two different performers. There is no official suggestion from McDonagh in the script.