The year 1766 in Ireland is characterised by certain events, arts and literature occurrences, births and deaths. For a fuller date context the year should be termed 1766 AD in Ireland.

Events

Arts and literature

• Oliver Goldsmith novel The Vicar of Wakefield is first published.

Births

• 23 January - William Cusac Smith, Baronet, judge (d. 1836)
• 26 December - Henry Conyngham, 1st Marquess Conyngham, politician (d.1832).

Full date unknown

• Standish O'Grady, 1st Viscount Guillamore, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer in Ireland (d.1840).
• William Orr, member of the United Irishmen, executed by the British (d.1797).
• John Templeton, naturalist and botanist (d.1825).

Deaths

• Frances Sheridan, novelist and playwright (b.1724).
• 15 March - Nicholas Sheehy, Roman Catholic priest, opponent of the British Penal Laws, murdered by the British (b.1728).