At 48, Murphy enjoys a remarkable rise to stardom but prefers a quiet life in Ireland with his wife, Yvonne McGuinness, and their two teenage sons, 17-year-old Aran and 18-year-old Malachy. This desire for tranquility reflects his commitment to family life amid the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Murphy praised his son Aran’s acting abilities, stating that he is “really good” at it. However, the Oppenheimer star emphasized that he does not want to impose any pressure on Aran to pursue a career in Hollywood. “If he decides to be a musician, poet, farmer, or chef, that is entirely up to him,” Murphy remarked, highlighting his desire for his children to choose their own paths.
Murphy has long expressed a wish for his kids to remain grounded, regardless of whether they choose to follow in his footsteps. In a conversation with The Standard, he playfully noted, “Everything I do is extremely unsuitable for them. They are quite impressed by my work. I try to keep them in the same place because it’s a foolish industry.”
As a father of two, Murphy has admitted to feeling a bit of “envy” towards Aran’s calm demeanor regarding acting. Reflecting on Aran’s performance in Hamnet, he shared with The Guardian: “He was very relaxed about it, you know? He would come off stage and ask what the score was in the Liverpool game. And, again, you feel a little envious! It’s the danger of over-analyzing everything, which can take the simplicity out of it.”
After spending many years in London, Cillian and his family returned to Ireland in 2015, where they now enjoy a peaceful life away from the chaos of urban life. Murphy explained, “We were in London for 14 years, where both of our children were born. We moved back to Dublin.”
Known for his aversion to celebrity culture, Murphy cherishes his life in Ireland, which offers a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of city living. Living near the sea, the actor revealed, “It’s peaceful. I love it; where I am in life right now… we’re quite close, and it makes you feel somewhat instantly depressed in a way.”
Murphy’s family home is rumored to be a stunning historic property built in 1863, boasting six double bedrooms. Interestingly, the house is said to be devoid of phone or internet service, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a serious digital detox.
As Murphy continues to navigate his successful acting career and embrace the joys of family life, his support for Aran’s burgeoning career in the arts demonstrates a thoughtful balance of encouragement and freedom. With a commitment to keeping his family grounded, Cillian Murphy exemplifies a modern parent who values both individual choice and family unity.