Waterford is going to get new neighbours in the Zuckerbergs – but what do we know about the duo?

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, one of the world’s most famous power couples, have reportedly snapped up a castle in the Déise, instantly making them Ireland’s most unexpected blow‑ins of 2026.

But who are the Zuckerbergs when they’re not running Meta, reinventing tech or popping up at billionaire weddings? Here’s the low‑down on the family who might soon be spotted doing the school run, grabbing a 99 or queueing for a blaa.

Mark Zuckerberg: the tech founder and self-confessed nerd

Mark, 42, is best known as the co‑founder of Facebook and CEO of Meta. But behind the hoodie and the billions, he’s a self‑confessed nerd with a soft streak. He met Priscilla at a college party in 2003 while waiting in line for the bathroom, and the pair have been together ever since.

He’s the kind of dad who builds AI systems to teach his kids Cantonese, invents gadgets to help his wife sleep, and proudly posts matching‑outfit photos with his daughters.

He’s also big on family milestones, from recreating their wedding photo on their 10‑year anniversary to celebrating the 20th anniversary of their first date with a nostalgic Facebook post.

Priscilla Chan: the paediatrician with an incredible backstory

Priscilla, 41, is a paediatrician and philanthropist who was born in Massachusetts to Chinese parents who fled Vietnam by boat. She grew up speaking Cantonese and interpreting for her grandparents while her parents worked long hours.

A first‑generation college student, she earned a full scholarship to Harvard, graduated valedictorian of her high school, captained the tennis team, and was voted ‘Class Genius’.

She once considered leaving Harvard — until a moment with a young girl in an after‑school programme inspired her to become a doctor.

Today, she co‑runs the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the couple’s philanthropic organisation, which they funded with a pledge of 99 per cent of their Meta shares — then valued at $45 billion.

The girls: Max, August and Aurelia

The Zuckerbergs are proud parents to three daughters: Max, born in 2015, August, born in 2017, and Aurelia, born in 2023.

They’re being raised with chores, responsibilities and limited screen time — unless it’s video‑chatting grandparents, which Mark says is ‘wonderful.’

The family is also full Swifties, having attended Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour together, complete with friendship bracelets and glitter.

Their life together

Despite the global spotlight, their home life is famously grounded. They wash dishes together, take the kids to work, and celebrate anniversaries with selfies at the Parthenon.

Priscilla throws birthday parties where Bill Gates shows up, and Mark commissions statues of his wife ‘to bring back the Roman tradition.’

They’re also deeply involved in funding teacher resources, supporting education reform, and investing in scientific research.

So why Waterford?

That’s the million‑euro question. Maybe it’s the privacy, maybe it’s the coastline, maybe it’s the charm of Ireland’s oldest city, or maybe they just fancied a castle with a view.

Whatever the reason, Waterford now has two of the world’s most influential people settling in among its beaches, greenways and medieval streets.

And honestly? We can’t wait to see how the Zuckerbergs take to Irish life. Will Mark become a sea‑swimmer? Will Priscilla fall in love with Dunmore East? Will the girls join a camogie team?

Time will tell, but for now, Waterford can officially say it has the coolest new neighbours in the country.