A number of prominent Irish people were born here in Mallow and Mallow has associations with some other famous individuals. Canon Sheehan, the noted author, was born at 29 New Street in 1852 (Maureen's Pub, O'Brien Street).

He had close links with Doneraile, a village a short distance away. One of Ireland's greatest 19th century parliamentarians, William O'Brien, was born in 1852 at Bank Place (O'Meara's Solicitors) near the entrance to St. James Church. Thomas Davis, who with a number of associates established 'The Nation', was born in Mallow in 1814. He and his associates later became known as 'The Young Irelanders'. Nano Nagle, foundress of the Presentation Sisters, was born at Ballygriffin, Killavullen in 1718.

Another famous person associated with Mallow is the celebrated English writer, Anthony Trollope, who lived for a while at No 139, Thomas Davis Street. From the modern era, Joan Denise Moriarty, who was a national figure in the arts and a pioneer in the world of dance, was born at Broom Lane. Finally, US House of Representatives Speaker TP O'Neill has his family roots firmly entrenched in Mallow and was a guest of honour at a civic reception for him in Mallow in 1987.

The following famous people were born in Mallow:

Parents of John Curtin Prime, Minister of Australia.
John Baptist Purcell, Archbishop of Cincinnati.
Paul Kane, Painter.
Robert Murphy, Mathematician, Dean at Cambridge.
William Baylor Hartland ,Garden Plant Breeder.
Seamus Murphy, Sculptor.
Henry Albert Hartland, Artist.