Rosie O’Donnell is feeling more at peace after moving to Ireland, but her new life has not been without challenges.
Nearly two years after leaving the United States, the comedian opened up about the warm welcome she received, the absence of celebrity culture and the difficult reality of living far away from her closest friends.
Rosie discussed her experience living abroad during an appearance on Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast. “The best part is that they don’t have celebrity culture there,” Rosie said. “Nobody really cares that you’re famous.”
The 64-year-old actress and comedian relocated to Ireland in January 2025 with her youngest child, Clay. Rosie said residents who recognized her made her feel welcomed without placing too much importance on her celebrity status.
“People would say, ‘Welcome, Rosie. Welcome to Ireland. You belong here,’” she recalled. “It’s so sweet.”
A Memorable Dinner in Ireland
Rosie also shared a story about meeting an Irish couple after her move. They spoke for approximately two and a half hours before the couple revealed that they were fans.
The delayed admission surprised Rosie, who jokingly asked why they had waited until the end of the meal to tell her.
According to Rosie, the woman responded, “Well, surely it’s not the most important thing now, is it?”
Rosie said the remark represented a major difference between life in Ireland and the celebrity culture she experienced in the United States.
“It’s not the most important thing about you,” she explained. “And that’s what I found out when I was over in Ireland.”
The Difficult Part of Living Abroad
Although Rosie appreciates the quieter lifestyle, she admitted that moving away from the people closest to her has been challenging.
“My friends are really my family and community, and it’s been very difficult,” she said.
Rosie acknowledged that she sometimes feels lonely while living abroad. However, she has started building a new support system through friendships with two other parents whose children have autism.
Clay, 13, was diagnosed with autism, which Rosie publicly discussed in 2022. The comedian said the families’ children are close in age and regularly spend time together.
“We socialize together, and that’s been really helpful,” she said.
Raising Clay in a New Country
Rosie is the mother of five children: Parker, Chelsea, Blake, Vivienne and Clay. She shares Clay with late ex-wife Michelle Rounds, who died in 2017.
The comedian previously explained that concerns about the political climate in the United States influenced her decision to relocate. She has also pursued Irish citizenship based on her family heritage.
While moving meant creating distance from longtime friends and several family members, Rosie’s comments suggest the decision has provided a calmer environment for her and Clay.
Rosie O’Donnell Feels Calmer in Ireland
Despite the moments of homesickness, Rosie described living in Ireland as “very beautiful” and “very healing.”
She has also noticed a change in how she approaches daily life, and people close to her have apparently seen it as well.
“People say they notice a difference, and I think I’m just calmer,” Rosie said. “I’m calmer being over there.”
