The charming south Dublin seaside suburb where the Oscar-winning actor enjoys a quieter life.
While Cillian Murphy is known around the world for intense performances in Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer, away from the cameras, he leads a far more relaxed existence in a coastal Dublin suburb of Dublin.
Tucked between Dun Laoghaire and Blackrock in south Dublin, Monkstown is a quaint Irish village to that oozes Victorian charm, seaside atmosphere and boasts café-lined streets.
From Cork to London to Monkstown – bringing his sons home to brought up in Ireland
Before becoming one of Ireland’s most celebrated actors, Murphy grew up in Douglas and Ballintemple in Cork.
Born in 1976, he originally dreamed of becoming a musician and performed in bands as a teenager before discovering acting in his late teens.
His breakthrough came with the stage production Disco Pigs, which launched a career that would eventually take him to Hollywood. He would then go on to star in the film version of Disco Pigs in 2001.
Despite international fame, Murphy has always remained deeply connected to Ireland. In interviews, he has frequently spoken about valuing privacy, family life, and staying close to home rather than embracing celebrity culture.
Why Monkstown became home – returning to Ireland after London
Cillian Murphy and his wife, visual artist Yvonne McGuinness, spent more than a decade living in London while his acting career expanded internationally.
However, in 2015, the couple decided to move back to Ireland with their two sons, eventually settling in Monkstown, a suburb of Dublin with a population of around 6,000 residents.
Murphy later described returning home as “the best thing we did,” explaining that he wanted his children to grow up in Ireland and develop Irish identities and accents.
When the family first moved to Monkstown, they bought an old Victorian house built in 1863, but as his reputation got bigger and bigger, they decided to move elsewhere in the same seaside town with more privacy.
What to do in Monkstown – cafés, sea views and village charm
Monkstown is well-known for its elegant Victorian architecture, spaces in nature, and scenic views across Dublin Bay. Locals and visitors alike enjoy strolling along the nearby seafront toward Dun Laoghaire Harbour, especially during sunny evenings.
Monkstown Village itself is filled with independent cafés, restaurants, and pubs that give the area a warm neighbourhood feel.
Food lovers can explore artisan bakeries and seafood restaurants, while history fans can admire landmarks such as Monkstown Castle and nearby churches dating back centuries.
The suburb is also perfectly placed for exploring South Dublin. A short trip on the DART coastal train brings visitors to bustling Dun Laoghaire, the Forty Foot swimming spot in Sandycove, or the lively shopping streets of Dublin city centre.
