Growing up in Mullingar, Niall was a pupil at Coláiste Mhuire Boys School. After auditioning on the seventh series of The X Factor in 2010 as a solo artist, Niall made it through to boot camp but was then selected to be part of a group.

His fellow group members Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson formed the group One Direction.

With the mentorship of Simon Cowell, One Direction have become international superstars following their third place finish on The X Factor. Niall is constantly bubbly and full of energy but he did admit that he feels awkward when fans start crying when they meet him.