World-renowned singer, Rod Stewart, revealed recently that his love of Ireland has led him to buy an apartment in the exclusive Dublin 4 area.
According to a report in the Irish Independent, earlier this year Rod Stewart bought a luxury penthouse apartment in the Dublin 4 area of Ballsbridge, near the Aviva Stadium. In an interview on Irish radio, he revealed that his love of Dublin, its pubs and its proximity to the coast were factors that drew him to the area, as well as “a load of Celtic supporters”.
As an avid sports fan, Stewart also explained the advantages of living so close to the Aviva Stadium, which hosts everything from football and rugby to concerts and conferences.
“If I get out on my balcony, I’m going to see (rugby and football) crowds on a Saturday afternoon. The oceans and beaches, it’s gorgeous,” he said.
He visited the area to research the Easter Rising in preparation for covering the Irish ballad ‘Grace’ on his last album, Blood Red Roses, and it was this visit that prompted him to buy a home in Dublin.
I’ve never considered buying a place in Paris, or Rome or anywhere else. Southern Ireland just has some magic for me.”
However, Stewart says that his love affair with the city goes way back to the 70s when he first visited with The Faces. Despite globe-trotting frequently as an international star, Stewart explains that he’s “never considered buying a place in Paris, or Rome or anywhere else. Southern Ireland just has some magic for me.”
Rod Stewart plans to frequently use the apartment with his wife, Penny Lancaster, as well as during the Irish dates of his 2022 tour.
Do other celebrities have homes in Ireland?
Ireland has hosted many A-list celebrities over the years, who have owned both holiday homes and have moved in permanently.
Daniel Day-Lewis has long been the owner of a charming farmhouse in the village of Annamoe, County Wicklow. He was awarded the Freedom of Wicklow in 2009 and says that he loves living there because he is allowed to go about his business quietly.
Whilst he hasn’t bought a home in Ireland yet, Matt Damon achieved hero-like status in the Dublin suburb of Dalkey just last year. He was stranded there over lockdown whilst filming ‘The Last Duel’. Damon said that he loved his time there, explaining, “I could move here. I could live here.’ It’s beautiful”.
The actor, Jeremy Irons, is now described as an ‘honorary Corkman’ after buying and restoring Kilcoe Castle in West Cork. He first bought a cottage in Ireland and whilst spending time there, got to know about Kilcoe Castle. It then took him six years to completely restore the castle, which involved everything from rebuilding the walls to filling the rooms with his own antiques.
