Wording of tribute plaque to Sinéad O'Connor revealed as former home set for major renovation

The former home of Sinéad O'Connor is to undergo a major renovation with the new owners set to honour the singer with a commemorative plaque.

The "Nothing Compares 2 U" singer, who died in July 2023 in a flat in London, sold her home, 'Montebello' on Strand Road in Bray, Co Wicklow for €1.04million in November 2021.

After planning setbacks in 2024 when the then-owner Rachel Carthy couldn't convert the property into five apartments, the house was sold again to new owners, Jane Hughes and David Lynch, who bought the six-bedroom home for €1.95million in 2025.

Three months later, the new owners have revealed major plans to renovate the sprawling property, including putting up a plaque to honour the late singer, who died at the age of 56.

The works will include a new gym, sauna and bar with 236 sqft of space to be added to the pad. The floor space of the house will be extended to 4,703sqft.

As well as the major renovations, the house's new owners will also include a commemorative plaque to Sinéad to the 1860’s double-fronted home.

Drawings seen by Wicklow County Council have revealed the proposed wording of the plaque is "Sinéad O'Connor, musician, activist 1966 – 2023 lived here from 2007 to 2021."

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A memorial to Sinead O'Connor at her former home following the singer's death in July 2023. (RollingNews.ie)

Wicklow County Council has granted planning permission despite objections from neighbour, Ceceline Power, who was against the couple building an orangery sunroom.

In a submission on behalf of Power, RKAD Architects stated that their client opposed it as it would block two of the existing windows on the southern gable of her property.

The council asked for her concerns to be addressed, and a revised plan for the side extension was lodged.

Giving the green light, the council said that the proposed development "would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience."

It was revealed in 2024 that Sinéad died from natural causes, a coroner said at the time.

"This is to confirm that Ms O'Connor died of natural causes," a statement from Southwark Coroner's Court said. "The coroner has therefore ceased their involvement in her death," the statement added.

*This article was originally published on Evoke.ie.