Kildare man is 'Ireland's richest senator'
Sen McCarthy has made “an extensive declaration” of his interests
Independent Seanad Éireann member and Naas resident Aubrey McCarthy is reportedly Ireland’s richest senator.
The Irish Times has reported on the assets declared in McCarthy’s first return to the Seanad register of interests since winning a senate seat in the last election.
“It is the most extensive declaration made by any Senator for 2025, according to the register, published in March,” according to the newspaper.
Sen McCarthy (54) was elected to the University of Dublin panel.
McCarthy’s ongoing involvement with Tiglin – where he remains a board member – is included in his register-of-interests return, along with seven other roles described as voluntary and unpaid.
Later in 2025 he expressed an interest in running for the presidency, but ultimately did not enter the race.
In his Seanad declaration, he lists his occupations as “public representative” – a nod to his role as Senator; “company director” covering commercial and charitable organisations; and “lessor”, another word for landlord.
In his return to the register, he declares ownership of shares and a directorship in this business.
“His difficult upbringing inspired a passion to advocate for those affected by poverty, marginalisation and addiction,” his website states.
In 2008, McCarthy founded Tiglin, a charity dedicated to helping people struggling with addiction and homelessness.
His ongoing involvement with Tiglin – where he remains a board member – is included in his register-of-interests return, along with seven other roles described as voluntary and unpaid.
In his declaration he listed shares with three companies including two banks and directorships relating to his own companies including The Elms Home & Living , which is in the process of closing because, as Sen McCarthy told the Leinster Leader, it is losing money.
He has three entries in the land and property category of his declaration, including ownership of the farmland at Punchestown (40 acres) where The Elms is located.
Also listed, according to The Irish Times, is a “letting” property in Monkstown, Dublin, that he co-owns with a business partner as well as a building he co-owned with his brother Fergal at Long’s Place in Dublin city which is also listed as “letting”.
The building includes eight residential units. They were sold for almost €2.5 million in April 2025, according to a report in the Business Post.
“I also gave free use of two units to homeless individuals during that time,” he told The Irish Times.