Mr Brosnan received his OBE at the British Ambassador's residence

The Navan man received the award from the British ambassador in Dublin on Saturday.

Other Irish citizens to be honoured by the Queen include Live Aid organiser 'Sir' Bob Geldof, country singer Daniel O'Donnell, fashion designer John Rocha and the late comedian Spike Milligan.

Flanked by his mother, step-father, and children, Brosnan said the honour was a "real joy".

"It has been something that when they called me a few months ago about this I wasn't quite sure they had the right person but as the months wore on I realised it was for real," he said.

"I am here today with my family, my children, and it is a day to be treasured."

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw praised Brosnan, 50, for boosting the UK's image around the world as well as for his charity work.

Mr Straw said: "In his portrayal of 007 in the last four Bond films, he has added style and glamour to the image of Britain overseas.

"But he has also worked very hard behind the scenes in supporting an array of charitable causes."

BROSNAN AS BOND GoldenEye (1995) Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) The World is Not Enough (1999) Die Another Day (2002)

The award celebrated a "truly remarkable achievement" he said, and Brosnan had "captivated audiences at home in Ireland, here in the UK and across the world".

The actor was born in County Meath but moved to England at an early age and studied at the Drama Centre of London.

Stylish

His big break came when he was given the title role in 1980s TV drama Remington Steele. He went on to star in films including The Fourth Protocol, The Lawnmower Man and Dante's Peak.

He first appeared as Britain's most stylish spy in GoldenEye in 1995, and has said he will make one more 007 film before handing on the title.

He is also a Special Patron of Unicef Ireland and Ambassador for Women's Health Issues for Permanent Charities of the Entertainment Industry.