Rosie O’Donnell Opens Up About Her Bold Move to Ireland for a Fresh Start with Her Child
Rosie O’Donnell has officially announced her relocation to Ireland, marking a significant change in her life.
On Tuesday, the talented comic shared a nine-minute video on TikTok, revealing that she made the life-altering decision to move to Ireland on January 15 with her 12-year-old son, Clay, just days before the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
O’Donnell’s video announcement follows her recent Instagram posts, where she playfully showcased her experience of driving “on the wrong side of the road,” subtly indicating her new life abroad.

Getty
Discover 6 Celebrities Who Have Chosen to Relocate Due to Donald Trump’s Presidency
View Story
“It has been quite fantastic, I must say. The people here are incredibly loving, kind, and welcoming. I feel very grateful,” O’Donnell expressed in her video, noting that she is currently in the process of obtaining her Irish citizenship, a journey inspired by her Irish grandparents.
“Though I never imagined I would move to another country, I decided that this would be the best choice for myself and my 12-year-old child. And here we are,” O’Donnell reflected, sharing that Clay is her son with her late spouse, Michelle Rounds.
The former host of The View mentioned that while she and Clay, who identifies as non-binary, are enjoying their new life in Ireland, she still misses the United States. However, she emphasized the need for significant changes in America before she feels it is “safe” to return.
“You know, I am happy. Clay is happy. I miss my other children,” the mother of five shared. “I miss my friends and many aspects of life back home, and I am currently searching for a place to call home in this beautiful country.”
“And when it’s safe for all citizens to have equal rights in America, that’s when we will consider returning,” O’Donnell added, underscoring her commitment to social justice.
The television personality, known for her outspoken criticism of Trump, conveyed her struggles in witnessing the political landscape from afar.
“It has been heartbreaking to observe the unfolding political events and challenging for me personally as well,” O’Donnell remarked. “As we all know, the personal is political.”
“I just felt that we needed to take care of ourselves, make some tough decisions, and follow through. Now that we are getting settled, I felt ready to share this and tell everyone what has been happening,” she expressed.
Regarding her new life in Ireland, O’Donnell mentioned that she has “met a bunch of people,” noting that everyone has been incredibly “friendly,” including a friend named Tom, who has been “showing me around Dublin.”

YouTube/Getty
Late-Night Show Goes Live to Analyze and Critique Trump’s ‘Ridiculous’ Address to Congress
View Story
The actress also extended apologies to those who may have been concerned about “what’s been happening” in her life, saying, “I’m sorry for those of you who were worried and who missed me.”
“I just felt that we needed to care for ourselves and make some tough choices,” she continued, expressing that she felt “ready to share” her video news now that she and Clay are “getting settled.”
O’Donnell, 62, concluded by offering words of encouragement for her fellow Americans during this tumultuous time.
“I encourage everyone to stand up, to use their voice, to protest, and to demand that we follow the Constitution in our country, not a king, not a man,” she stated emphatically. “We should not allow cruelty to be part of our governing style.”
Following her reflections on her life in Ireland, O’Donnell wrapped up her video by sharing an inspiring message for her followers in the US.

“Protect your sanity is all I can advise,” she said. “Defend your sanity as much as you can, and try not to get caught up in the chaos if possible, but I know it’s almost impossible when you’re in the middle of it all.”
“I think about everyone every day and the USA,” she concluded. “I’m hopeful that we can turn things around, relying on each of you to do what’s right. Deep down, we all know what that is.”
O’Donnell’s TikTok video follows her recent Instagram updates that hinted at her move to Ireland, as she has recently made her Instagram account private.
On January 15, the date she confirmed leaving Los Angeles, O’Donnell shared a nostalgic photo with the caption, “off we go from beautiful struggling Los Angeles – I’ll hold you in my heart forever – a dozen years since this photo – savor every moment my friends.”
In the nearly two months since her move, she has been actively sharing images that depict her new life in Ireland. O’Donnell has posted stunning Irish landscapes, shared experiences of watching rugby at a pub, and even expressed interest in becoming a judge on Ireland’s Got Talent.
Last week, she posted a selfie from a car, stating, “bought a little used car to drive around the countryside on the wrong side of the road – hit the curb three times – thought I hit a cat!!! #newadventures.”