Dunford started his acting career in 2010 on The Tudors. Afterwards he appeared in many films and TV productions like An Crisis and Game of Thrones. His most notable roles are Aethelwulf on Vikings and Patrick Fitzgerald in Patrick's Day. In 2015, he received an IFTA in the category of Best Actor in a Lead Role in Film for Patrick's Day, and an EFP 2015 Shooting Stars Award representing Ireland at the Berlin Film Festival.