Enya, the enigmatic Irish singer-songwriter, has famously shunned the limelight for a secluded life in a £2.5 million castle overlooking the Irish Sea. The 64-year-old, who has never married or had children, lives alone with her 12 cats and an estimated fortune of €121 million (£105 million).
In 1997, she purchased the 19th-century Manderley Castle, outbidding Riverdance star Michael Flatley. The property, renamed after Daphne du Maurier's novel Rebecca, underwent extensive remodelling and now includes a guest house, art room, exercise room, staff quarters, and a large loft. A tunnel originally leading to Killiney Beach was sealed off in the 1980s.
Enya has described herself as 'dark and difficult to be with' and believes no man could adapt to her lifestyle. She once stated, 'Falling madly in love and getting married would be the most horrific thing that could happen. My affairs are with melody, words, and beautiful sounds.'
Her last public appearance before a 2023 wedding celebration was at the 2017 Grammy Awards. An industry insider noted, 'Throughout the music business, there’s no one else who is so successful about whom so little is known.' Enya has defended her privacy, saying, 'What happened to choice? I love the music to be known, but I'm not after fame for myself.'
