From Broadway To The Emerald Isle: The Shocking Reason Rosie O'Donnell Moved To Ireland
The question of "where did Rosie O'Donnell move to" finally has a definitive, and surprising, answer. As of early 2025, the veteran comedian, actress, and talk show host has officially relocated from the United States to Ireland, a move she confirmed was prompted by the political climate in America following the 2024 U.S. presidential election. This dramatic change of scenery, which saw her sell off significant real estate holdings, marks a major new chapter in her life, taking her from the bright lights of Broadway and New York City to the historic streets of Dublin.
The move, which she described as "pretty wonderful," was not simply a change of pace but a profound personal decision to seek a new permanent residence. She is currently residing in the Dublin area with her 12-year-old son, Clay, and is in the process of applying for Irish citizenship through descent. This article, updated for December 2025, delves into the exact reasons for the international relocation, the details of her new life, and the properties she left behind.
Rosie O'Donnell: A Complete Career and Personal Profile
Roseann "Rosie" O'Donnell is one of America's most recognizable television personalities, known for her candid humor, acting roles, and outspoken political views. Her career spans over four decades, encompassing stand-up comedy, film, and television hosting.
- Full Name: Roseann O'Donnell
- Date of Birth: March 21, 1962
- Place of Birth: Commack, New York, U.S.
- Age (as of late 2025): 63 years old
- Spouse(s): Kelli Carpenter (m. 2004; div. 2007), Michelle Rounds (m. 2012; div. 2015)
- Children: Five adopted children (Parker Jaren, Chelsea Belle, Blake Christopher, Vivienne Rose, and Dakota) and one biological daughter (Chelsea Belle). Her youngest son, Clay, moved with her to Ireland.
- Notable Career Highlights:
- Stand-Up Comedy: Began performing as a teenager.
- Film Roles: *A League of Their Own* (1992), *Sleepless in Seattle* (1993), *The Flintstones* (1994).
- *The Rosie O'Donnell Show*: Her daytime talk show (1996–2002) earned her the nickname "Queen of Nice" and multiple Emmy Awards.
- *The View*: Served as a co-host during two separate, often controversial, tenures (2006–2007 and 2014–2015).
- Activism: A prominent LGBTQ+ activist and philanthropist.
- Current Residence: Dublin, Ireland (since January 2025).
The Political Catalyst: Why O'Donnell Left the U.S. for Dublin
Rosie O'Donnell's decision to move to Ireland was not driven by a desire for a quieter retirement but by a deep-seated political conviction. She confirmed the relocation in a TikTok video in March 2025, stating she had moved in January 2025, shortly after Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second presidential term.
The comedian has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump for years, and the move was explicitly framed as a way to "escape Trump's US." O'Donnell has openly discussed the emotional and mental toll the political environment had taken on her, describing the need to escape a "mental jail."
The intensity of her concern was further highlighted when she cited the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 as a key factor in her decision. Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan proposed by conservative groups to reshape the executive branch of the U.S. federal government. O'Donnell stated that after reading the details of the project, she had "no regrets" about leaving the country.
Her move to the Emerald Isle is not a temporary stay. O'Donnell is actively pursuing Irish citizenship through descent, a process that would grant her permanent residency and the ability to live and work in the European Union. She has publicly expressed her love for her new home, noting that while the weather is "quite cold," the experience has been "pretty wonderful" for her and her son.
A Real Estate Exodus: Selling Off Her American Portfolio
The international relocation was preceded by a significant and costly liquidation of O'Donnell's high-profile American real estate holdings, particularly in New York City. This real estate exodus underscores the permanence of her move.
The most notable sale was her Midtown East penthouse in Manhattan. O'Donnell had purchased the property for $8 million in 2017 but ultimately sold it for $4.75 million, resulting in a staggering $3.25 million loss. The property had been on the market for nearly two years before finally finding a buyer. This substantial financial hit was widely reported as she finalized her move to Europe.
Prior to the Midtown East sale, she had also sold her chic Greenwich Village penthouse, a property she had owned for some time. Her history of high-value properties includes a sprawling Miami Beach estate on Star Island, which she purchased in 1999 and later sold. The Miami home was recently sold again to the billionaire founder of Rockstar Energy Drink for a massive $36 million, though O'Donnell was no longer the owner at that time.
Life in Dublin: New Home and New Horizons
Rosie O'Donnell has settled into life in Dublin, the capital of Ireland, with her son Clay. While she has not revealed the exact address for privacy, reports suggest she may have acquired a property valued around $2.5 million. She has shared glimpses of her new life, including her surprise at the charm of the Dublin suburb of Sandymount, a coastal area known for its village-like atmosphere and proximity to the city center.
The move has allowed O'Donnell to focus on personal well-being and new creative projects, away from the intense media scrutiny of American politics. She has stated that while she misses some aspects of American life, the change has been overwhelmingly positive. Her current location in Europe also puts her closer to her ancestral roots, a common factor for those seeking Irish citizenship through descent. The new environment offers a fresh perspective, a calmer pace, and an opportunity for her son to grow up in a different cultural setting.
In short, Rosie O'Donnell’s answer to "where did she move to" is a definitive and permanent one: Dublin, Ireland. This move is a powerful statement about her personal and political priorities, marking a dramatic and costly exit from her life in the United States to embrace a new identity on the Emerald Isle.
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