The Donegal vocalist is only beaten out by U2 for an Irish act with the most records sold, but no solo artist comes near her. Over the course of a 40-year career, she has sold more than 80million albums.
She’s won four Grammys, six World Music Awards, and is the most nominated Irish person in the history of the BRIT Awards.
Despite all the accolades and being such a household name worldwide, Enya has chosen a quiet lifestyle, staying away from the limelight.
This week, the superstar lost her beloved sister and fellow musician, Moya Brennan. The pair were extremely close, with Enya announcing her heartbreak following her sibling’s passing.
Moya Brennan.
"It is with a deep and terrible sadness that I must announce the death of my beloved sister, Máire. Not only was she my sister, she was a dear and close friend. I would ask for privacy at the time. Enya."
It was the first time Enya had released any comments to the media in some years after opting for a very private life tucked away in the South Dublin suburb of Killiney.
She bought her property, Manderley Castle, all the way back in 1997 for an eye-watering $ 4.3 million, which, in today’s money, works out at € 7.5 million. The mansion is a stone’s throw away from the Killiney Hill Park, at the foot of the Hill’s viewpoint, as well as being very near Killiney Beach.
The property is a Victorian-era castle, which the singer has done work on to protect her privacy, including adding additional feet to her outside stone wall.
She also renovated the home’s six bedrooms and bathrooms when she moved in.
Read more
She explained in an interview with Buzzfeed how the home’s seaview is more important to her than anything else.
"I open those shutters, and the sea, it’s different ev-er-y day," she said. "It’s very inspiring to me. I just look at the view, and if it’s overcast and raining, no matter: I never tire of it."
And although coming from a large family with nine siblings, Enya has been described as a "recluse" and has numerous surveillance cameras around the outside of her property.
However, she isn’t alone as she is said to live at the Castle with 12 cats.
Her sister Moya will be laid to rest this Friday, April 17 at 2pm in St Patrick’s Church, Meenaweal, Crolly, with interment afterwards in Magheragallon Cemetery Gweedore.
Prior to that, the late singer will repose at her home on Wednesday, April 15 and Thursday, April 16 from 1pm to 8pm with nightly prayers at 8pm.
Moya is survived by her husband Tim Jarvis, daughter Aisling, son Paul, granddaughter Eden and mum Máire, along with sisters Deirdre, Enya, Olive, Brídín and brothers Ciarán, Pól and Bartley.
* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
Comments