Coming from an Irish-American family, actress Rooney Mara has always been proud of her roots, but a recent visit to the Emerald Isle really made her "cherish" her family's history.

The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo star was filming in Ireland with director Jim Sheridan earlier this year, and got to experience first-hand the celebrations that took place after May's Marriage Equality referendum.

"The Irish people made me so proud, not just for holding the first referendum on the subject, but for how overwhelmingly they said yes to love," she gushes to the Irish Sun. 

"I will cherish the memory of being in Ireland at such a time."

The actress, who plays a lesbian in her latest flick Carol, adds that she is proud of the advancements being made in equality for LGBTQI people.

"We shouldn’t care about other people’s sexuality. It’s 2015 for God’s sake, sleep with whoever you want, love whoever you want. It’s just crazy to me to even be talking about it.

"I’ve had lots of friends from a young age who are gay and my heart has always been wide open to them and their choices."

Rooney grew up as part of a large and wealthy Irish-American family – indeed, her grandfather founded the American football team the New York Giants – but she says her childhood didn't give her any airs or graces.

“My dad is one of 11 children and there’s over 40 of us grandchildren. I had a very normal, nice childhood with an older sister and brother and one younger brother. We were your regular large Irish-Catholic family.”

Despite coming from a sporting background, Rooney was more interested in film and was particularly inspired by her older sister of two years, House of Cards star Kate Mara.

Rooney loves Irish films and cites Jim Sheridan as someone who heavily influenced her.

"I was pinching myself to be working [in Ireland]" says the actress.

"To be back in Ireland where we’ve been coming since I was a child, and to be working with an Irish director I’ve idolised all my life, was beyond belief. I was pinching myself on a daily basis while we were working."

Congratulations Rooney, we have officially adopted you as an honorary Irish person.