When a Hollywood A-lister gets stranded in a tiny Irish seaside village during a global pandemic, the world takes notice. That is exactly what happened to Matt Damon in March 2020.
Damon was not house-hunting. He was filming The Last Duel with director Ridley Scott when Ireland entered its first COVID-19 lockdown. Instead of flying home, he chose to ride out the quarantine with his family in Dalkey. The result was one of the most charming celebrity stories of the pandemic era.
This article takes you inside the Sorrento Road mansion, the viral moments that followed, and why Dalkey captured the imagination of millions around the world.
Quick Facts: The Dalkey Property at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Property Name | Ischia |
| Location | Sorrento Road, Dalkey, Co. Dublin, Ireland |
| Original Owner | Eddie Irvine (former Ferrari F1 driver) |
| Size | Approx. 5,000 sq ft (465 sq m) |
| Bedrooms | 5 double bedrooms (4 with en-suite) |
| Rental Price (2020) | Approx. €7,000 per week |
| Later Rental Price | €8,400 per week |
| Sale Price (2021) | €3.5 million (off-market sale) |
| Famous Tenant | Matt Damon (March-May 2020) |
| Celebrity Neighbours | Bono, The Edge, Enya, Van Morrison |
The Story: How Matt Damon Ended Up in Dalkey
In early 2020, Matt Damon arrived in Ireland to film The Last Duel, a historical drama directed by Ridley Scott and co-written with Ben Affleck.
When Ireland announced its first lockdown on March 12, 2020, production halted. Damon chose to stay in South Dublin rather than fly home amid travel restrictions.
The family moved into a rental on Sorrento Road in Dalkey, a coastal village 15 kilometres south of Dublin. What began as an inconvenience became a beloved chapter of pandemic folklore. The Damons spent roughly three months there, embraced by the local community.
Inside the Luxurious Sorrento Road Property
The Eddie Irvine Connection
The house, known as Ischia, was built in 1993 by former Ferrari Formula 1 driver Eddie Irvine. He constructed the mansion as a luxury residence during his F1 career.
Irvine later converted it into a high-end short-term rental on Airbnb. The home spent nearly two decades on and off the market before selling. The F1-meets-Hollywood connection gave the property a double pedigree that fascinated the public.
Coastal Dalkey, Ireland: A grand white building perches on a lush, rocky cliffside, overlooking the deep blue sea and a green, fortified island under a clear sky. Source: Irish Mirror
The Amenities
Ischia spans approximately 5,000 square feet (465 square metres). It features five double bedrooms, four with en-suite bathrooms. A fully integrated kitchen opens into a formal dining area with sea views.
The showpiece is the leisure complex: a heated outdoor swimming pool, indoor plunge pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, games room, and private cinema. For a family in lockdown, it offered resort-level comfort without leaving the grounds.
The house overlooks the Irish Sea with panoramic views across Killiney Bay. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the main living areas frame the water and flood the interiors with natural light.
Luxury Dalkey property with wooden deck, modern architecture, lush greenery, and sweeping sea views under a bright blue sky. Source: Irish Independent
The Price Tag
During Damon’s stay, the property rented for approximately €7,000 per week. After his departure, the listing price rose to €8,400 per week.
In April 2021, Ischia sold in an off-market deal for €3.5 million (approximately $4.2 million). That was just over half of Irvine’s original asking price. The sale was recorded on the Irish Property Price Register.
Life in Dalkey: “A Fairy Tale”
The Famous SuperValu Bag Moment
No image captured the Damon-in-Dalkey story like the photo of him walking to the Vico Baths carrying swimming gear in a reusable SuperValu grocery bag. The picture went viral instantly.
SuperValu is a popular Irish supermarket chain. Seeing one of the world’s biggest movie stars carrying a humble green bag to a local swimming spot delighted the Irish public. SuperValu Dalkey paid tribute on social media, and the photo became a defining image of lockdown Ireland.
A sunny street in Dalkey, Ireland, lined with colorful shops, flower baskets, bicycles, and pedestrians, showcasing charming town architecture under a blue sky. Source: Irish Mirror
The Spin 1038 Interview
In May 2020, Dublin radio station Spin 1038 scored a global exclusive with Damon. Presenters Graham O’Toole and Nathan O’Reilly spoke with the actor from his Dalkey home.
Damon called Dalkey “one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been” and described the experience as “like a fairy tale.” He revealed he had been FaceTiming with neighbour Bono. The New York Times picked up the story, cementing Dalkey’s place in pop culture.
A-List Neighbours on Sorrento Road
Sorrento Road is one of Ireland’s most exclusive addresses. U2’s Bono and The Edge live nearby. Enya owns a castle-style residence in the area, and Van Morrison is a long-time resident.
During lockdown, Damon reportedly connected with several of these neighbours, adding another layer of celebrity intrigue to the story.
Spacious living room with light green walls, large windows framing lush greenery, a round mirror, cozy seating, and a wood-burning stove, evoking luxury coastal living on Sorrento Road, Dalkey. Source: Irish Independent
Design and Architecture: What Makes This House Special
Ischia was designed to maximise its coastal position. The architecture leans toward a contemporary Mediterranean style, fitting given the name references the Italian island of Ischia.
The exterior features white-rendered walls with stone detailing and landscaped gardens that terrace toward the coast. Multiple patio areas and poolside terraces connect the living spaces to the sea views.
Inside, the layout prioritises open-plan living with generous ceiling heights. The leisure complex is effectively self-contained, giving the property the feel of a private boutique hotel.
Elegant Dalkey hallway: rich purple door, ornate mirror, patterned tile rug, and a staircase leading to upper levels, showcasing refined interior design. Source: Irish Independent
Why Dalkey Is the “Beverly Hills of Ireland”
Dalkey’s reputation as the Beverly Hills of Ireland is well earned. The village sits on Dublin Bay, framed by Killiney Hill and the Dalkey Islands. Its Victorian streets are lined with bookshops, seafood restaurants, and traditional pubs.
A sunny street in Dalkey, Ireland, features a historic stone tower, yellow-painted buildings with flower baskets, and pedestrians on a tree-lined road under a blue sky. Source: Irish Mirror
The real draw is the Sorrento Road and Vico Road corridor, hugging the coastline above the Vico Baths. Property values here regularly exceed €3 million, with the most exclusive homes above €10 million.
As of recent reports, the Dalkey and Killiney market remains among Ireland’s strongest. Limited supply and sustained demand from high-net-worth buyers continue to push values upward. The area’s coastal beauty, village charm, and proximity to Dublin city centre make it unique in Europe.
A historic stone tower with crenellations, a clock, and a red flag stands under a clear blue sky in Dalkey, Ireland, with a black iron gate, lamppost, and distant sea views. Source: Irish Mirror
Where the Property Stands Today
Since the €3.5 million sale in 2021, Ischia has changed hands and is no longer publicly listed as a short-term rental. The new ownership has kept a low profile, which is typical for properties of this calibre on Sorrento Road.
The property’s fame, however, endures. It remains one of the most searched-for celebrity homes in Ireland, and interest spikes whenever Damon’s name returns to the headlines. The combination of motorsport heritage, Hollywood glamour, and pandemic nostalgia gives this particular house a story that few properties anywhere can match.
A cozy corner with wooden benches, colorful cushions, and a table. A window reveals a lush garden with greenery and a stone wall, offering a serene outdoor view. Source: Irish Independent
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Matt Damon own a house in Dalkey?
No. Matt Damon never owned the Dalkey property. He rented the house called Ischia on Sorrento Road as an Airbnb during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. The home was built and owned by former Ferrari F1 driver Eddie Irvine, who later sold it in 2021.
How much did the Dalkey house sell for?
The property sold for €3.5 million (approximately $4.2 million) in an off-market sale in April 2021. This was notably lower than Irvine’s original asking price, which had been listed on and off for two decades.
What is the Vico Baths connection to Matt Damon?
The Vico Baths are a popular open-water swimming spot near Sorrento Road in Dalkey. Damon was photographed carrying his swimming gear in a SuperValu grocery bag on his way to the Vico Baths, and the image went viral worldwide.
Why is Dalkey called the Beverly Hills of Ireland?
Dalkey earned this nickname due to its concentration of multi-million-euro properties, stunning coastal views, and celebrity residents including Bono, The Edge, Enya, and Van Morrison. Sorrento Road is among the most expensive addresses in Ireland.
What film was Matt Damon shooting in Ireland?
Damon was in Ireland to film The Last Duel, directed by Ridley Scott and co-starring Ben Affleck. Production was underway when Ireland’s first COVID-19 lockdown was announced in March 2020, prompting Damon and his family to shelter in place at the Dalkey property.