**Ed Sheeran Expresses Cultural Kinship With Ireland Despite English Upbringing**
Global pop sensation Ed Sheeran has divulged on a recent podcast that, although he was born and raised in England, he regards himself as culturally Irish, spotlighting the enduring influence of his familial connections and childhood spent in Ireland.
Best known for hit songs such as “Galway Girl” and “Shape of You,” Sheeran, now 34, revealed on The Louis Theroux Podcast that his strong Irish heritage has profoundly shaped his worldview and musical identity. Raised in Suffolk, England, Sheeran nonetheless emphasised that regular visits to Ireland were a staple of his upbringing, thanks to his father’s large Irish family.
Sheeran detailed his family dynamics, highlighting the contrast between his mother’s small family and his father’s side, which includes seven siblings. These family ties, he explained, took the Sheerans to Ireland for nearly every holiday during his formative years, immersing him in Irish traditions and culture. “I class my culture as Irish. I think that’s what I grew up with,” Sheeran commented, noting that his early musical experiences often took place in Ireland and that traditional Irish music was a constant presence at home.
Despite his British birthplace, Sheeran said, “I identify culturally as Irish, but I was obviously born and raised in Britain.” He stressed the importance of cultural identity being rooted in one’s upbringing and personal experience, rather than being strictly defined by place of birth. “Just because I was born in Britain doesn’t mean I have to only be British. Many people I know are a mix of different backgrounds,” he remarked, calling for a more nuanced understanding of cultural belonging.
Sheeran’s connection to Ireland has also been a key influence on his music and career trajectory. Speaking about the reception he receives there, he described Ireland as something of a second home, particularly from a musical standpoint. “Ireland is the place that I am most successful musically,” he shared, reflecting the support he’s continually received from Irish audiences.
Beyond his musical and cultural bonds, Sheeran discussed the less savoury aspects of fame. He acknowledged heightened sensitivity concerning the privacy of his two young children, whom he shares with wife Cherry Seaborn. Sheeran recounted a particularly unsettling experience when a photograph of his first daughter, taken by paparazzi just six weeks after her birth, was published without the family’s consent. He expressed discomfort with the notion of strangers having access to personal images of his children, stating plainly, “My kids have not signed up to that, and I find it weird that it’s normal to take pictures of other people’s children if they’re famous.”
The trade-off between celebrity and personal privacy is a topic Sheeran addressed candidly, asserting that while fame garners wealth and public attention, it brings with it significant intrusions into family life—issues the youngest members have no say in.
In a separate portion of the conversation, Sheeran also revealed his preference for environmentally-friendly travel arrangements. Unlike many high-profile musicians, he does not own a private jet. “I like the environment, I like trees. I’d find it hard to justify,” he said, admitting that while rare promotional commitments may require flights, he typically opts for train travel when possible.
Throughout the interview, Sheeran continued to underline his pride in his cultural heritage, suggesting that personal identity is a product of upbringing and lived experience rather than legal or geographic definitions. His story echoes a broader sentiment among those with mixed backgrounds, reflecting the increasingly diverse and interconnected world in which many now live.
As Sheeran balances global stardom with his Irish roots and private family life, his insights remain a reminder of the complexities and contradictions intrinsic to modern celebrity and cultural belonging. His openness about these matters not only endears him to fans but also sparks conversations about identity, privacy, and the cost of fame in the digital era.