Actress and comedian Rosie O’Donnell recently shared some big life news—she has relocated to Ireland with her 12-year-old child, Clay. In a candid video posted on TikTok, O’Donnell explained the reasons behind her move and how she is adjusting to her new home.
Although she never imagined herself living in another country, O’Donnell said she felt that relocating was the best decision for both her and her child. She officially made the move on January 15 and is currently in the process of obtaining Irish citizenship, thanks to her Irish grandparents.
“It’s been pretty wonderful, I have to say,” O’Donnell shared. “The people here are so loving and kind, so welcoming. And I’m very grateful.”
A Difficult Goodbye but a Fresh Start
Despite her excitement about this new chapter, O’Donnell admitted that leaving behind her other children, friends, and familiar life in the U.S. was not easy. However, she felt compelled to make a change, particularly due to political and social concerns in the United States.
“I miss my other kids. I miss my friends. I miss so many things about life back home,” she said. “But I’m trying to find a home here in this beautiful country. And when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights in America, that’s when we will consider coming back.”
O’Donnell has been outspoken about political issues for years and has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump. She explained that witnessing the political climate in the U.S. made her decision even clearer. “It’s been heartbreaking to see what’s happening politically,” she said. “And hard for me personally as well. The personal is political, as we all know.”
Why She Chose to Share Her News Now
While O’Donnell moved to Ireland in January, she waited until now to publicly share the news. She wanted to ensure that she and her child were settled before making the announcement. “I just felt like we needed to take care of ourselves, make some hard decisions, and follow through,” she explained. “Now that we’re settling in, I was ready to post this and tell everybody what’s been going on.”
O’Donnell is not the only celebrity who has decided to move abroad in recent years. Others, including Eva Longoria, Ellen DeGeneres, and Richard Gere, have also chosen to live outside the U.S. for various personal and professional reasons.
A Longstanding Feud with Donald Trump
O’Donnell’s decision to leave the U.S. has drawn attention not only because of her celebrity status but also due to her well-documented feud with Trump. Their conflict dates back to 2006, when O’Donnell, then a co-host on “The View,” criticized Trump for being lenient toward a Miss USA winner who was accused of misconduct. In response, Trump called O’Donnell a “real loser,” sparking a back-and-forth exchange that lasted for years.
During the 2015 Republican primary debates, Trump made a controversial remark about O’Donnell, saying he had only ever called one woman “a fat pig”—referring to her. The moment received laughs from the audience but fueled ongoing tensions between the two.
Throughout Trump’s presidency, O’Donnell became an outspoken critic, frequently sharing her opposition through social media. In a 2017 interview with Seth Meyers, she jokingly admitted that she spent “about 90% of my working hours tweeting hatred toward this administration.” She continued to express her concerns about Trump’s leadership, particularly leading up to and during the 2024 election.
Finding Peace in Ireland
While politics played a role in her decision to leave the U.S., O’Donnell insists that her move is also about ensuring a better future for her child. Since arriving in Ireland, she and Clay have been enjoying their new surroundings, exploring the country, and adjusting to life in a different culture.
“I miss my other kids,” she reiterated, referring to her five grown children. “But I’m trying to find a home here in this beautiful country.”
Despite being happy in Ireland, O’Donnell remains passionate about activism and encouraging people to stand up for their rights. In her TikTok video, she urged her followers to stay engaged and not to become complacent. “Protect your sanity as much as you can and try not to swim in the chaos if possible,” she advised. “But I know it’s nearly impossible when you’re there in the middle of it.”
Looking Forward
While O’Donnell is embracing her new life in Ireland, she has not ruled out the possibility of returning to the U.S. in the future. However, she made it clear that it would only happen under circumstances where she feels all citizens are granted equal rights. Until then, she is focused on building a new life for herself and her child in a place where she feels welcome and safe.
For now, Rosie O’Donnell is enjoying the kindness and hospitality of the Irish people, grateful for a fresh start in a place she never expected to call home. “It’s been a big change,” she admitted. “But it’s been pretty wonderful.”
