Ed Sheeran may be one of Britain’s biggest music exports, but his heart, it seems, beats with a Celtic rhythm.
During a recent appearance on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Ed opened up about something deeply personal—his connection to Ireland.
But while he shared his love for his family roots and traditional Irish culture, not everyone was ready to embrace his words.
Let’s unpack the emotional family history behind Ed’s heritage—and why his identity is stirring up a debate.
A Love Story Across a Divided Ireland
Ed’s relationship with Irish culture runs deep, and it starts with his grandparents’ remarkable story.
His grandmother Nancy Mulligan was a Catholic from the Republic of Ireland, while his grandfather William Sheeran was a Protestant from Northern Ireland.
The two fell in love during World War II—a love that sparked division in their families.
Their romance, marked by religious differences and social backlash, became the inspiration behind Ed’s 2017 folk song Nancy Mulligan.
The lyrics retell how they married despite having no support from their families—his grandfather even melted gold dental fillings to make a wedding ring.
Only one family member, Nancy’s twin sister Peggy, attended their wedding.
Building a Legacy From Scratch
Despite the rocky start, Ed’s grandparents built a life together.
After meeting in London during the war, they settled back in Ireland and raised eight children: Jim, Bill, Peter, Chris, MaryAnne, Bridget, Sally, and Ed’s father, John.
Their home in County Wexford became the heart of many family memories, especially for Ed.
The couple were married for nearly 70 years. William passed in 2013, and Nancy died in 2023 at the age of 98.
Sadly, Ed wasn’t able to attend his grandmother’s funeral because of his high-profile copyright trial in New York—but he later shared that the experience inspired his song Supermarket Flowers.
Remembering Nancy Mulligan: “She Was the Musical One”
After Nancy’s passing, Ed took to social media to reflect on the loss.
He revealed that she was the one who brought music into the family and that Supermarket Flowers was written about packing up her hospital room.
He praised the staff who cared for her and said his family stayed close to the nurses even after her passing.
His grandmother had listened to Nancy Mulligan when it first came out.
At 92, she told RTE News she still saw Ed as her same old grandson—not a global star.
She also acknowledged how hard he worked, noting he’d been grinding since age 14.
“You’d have to feel sorry for him sometimes,” she said. “He’s so tired, but he loves it.”
Ed’s Cultural Confession: “I Identify as Irish”
In his chat with Louis Theroux, Ed didn’t just talk music—he opened up about identity.
Although born in Halifax and raised in Suffolk, he described himself as culturally Irish, saying, “I class my culture as Irish. That’s what I grew up with.”
Ed explained that all of his childhood holidays were spent in Ireland, and that traditional Irish music shaped his earliest musical experiences.
“My dad’s family is huge—seven siblings—and I was raised around Irish songs, instruments, and traditions.”
“You Don’t Have to Be One Thing”: Ed Defends His Identity
He pushed back against the idea that nationality or birthplace alone defines who you are.
“Just because I was born in Britain doesn’t mean I have to just be British.
I don’t think there are any rules. It’s about how you feel and what you lean into.”
To him, Ireland isn’t just a place he visited—it’s a second home, especially musically.
“It’s the place I’m most successful musically,” he said, pointing out how much of his time, inspiration, and even family connections are rooted in Irish culture.
Critics Clap Back: “Is He Just Pretending?”
While Ed’s story resonated with many, not everyone was on board.
Social media users quickly chimed in with criticism, some accusing him of “pretending” to be Irish.
Others questioned whether cultural identity can be chosen, asking, “Does Ed Sheeran qualify to play for Ireland’s football team now?”
Some comments were more mocking than serious: “That Galway Girl must’ve spun his head around,” one user joked, while another wrote, “Ed Sheeran tour posters for the top of the bonfire.”
But Many Fans Stood By Him
Despite the backlash, Ed also had plenty of supporters.
Others argued that heritage and upbringing matter just as much as birthplace.
“His da is Irish, so he’s perfectly entitled to feel Irish,” one user wrote.
Another said, “He looks like us too,” while others pointed out how common it is for diaspora communities to hold on to their roots.
One fan summed it up nicely: “You can be born in England and still feel culturally Irish. It’s not unprecedented.”
A Conversation Bigger Than One Star
Ed Sheeran’s comments may have stirred the pot, but they also opened up a bigger conversation about identity, heritage, and belonging.
Whether people agree with him or not, his story—of family, love, music, and memory—is deeply personal.
And for Ed, that’s what makes his roots worth singing about.