Barry Keoghan's Girlfriend: Complete Relationship Guide

Barry Keoghan, the 32-year-old Irish actor known for his Oscar-nominated role in “The Banshees of Inisherin” and his breakthrough performance in “Saltburn,” currently maintains a single status as of November 2025. His most recent and most publicized relationship was with pop star Sabrina Carpenter, whom he dated for approximately one year before they decided to take a break in December 2024. The couple met during Paris Fashion Week in September 2023 and became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples throughout 2024, making red carpet appearances at the Met Gala and collaborating on Carpenter’s “Please Please Please” music video. While their romantic journey has concluded, Keoghan’s relationship with Carpenter remains a significant chapter in his personal life, and understanding this relationship provides insight into the private world of one of cinema’s most compelling contemporary actors.

Table of Contents

The Sabrina Carpenter Romance Era

How Barry Keoghan Met Sabrina Carpenter

Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter first crossed paths during Paris Fashion Week on September 28, 2023, at a Givenchy show. Both were attending the prestigious fashion event independently, and their meeting occurred before they began dating. The first public evidence of their connection emerged in early December 2023, when paparazzi photographed the couple enjoying a romantic dinner together in Brentwood, California. Their initial dates were relatively low-key, with the pair maintaining privacy during the early stages of their relationship before making official public appearances months later.

Timeline of Public Appearances Together

The couple made their first official public appearance together at W Magazine’s Grammy Awards after-party on February 4, 2024, marking the soft launch of their relationship. They were spotted cozying up inside the event, though they posed separately on the red carpet initially. By mid-February 2024, paparazzi captured them sharing a kiss after dinner at Nobu in Los Angeles, effectively confirming their romantic involvement to the public. Their relationship became increasingly public throughout spring and summer 2024, with multiple red carpet debuts and collaborative projects.

Met Gala Debut and Red Carpet Moments

Keoghan and Carpenter made a stunning impression at the 2024 Met Gala in May, walking the iconic red carpet as a couple for the first time at such a prestigious event. The actor wore a Victorian era-inspired suit while Carpenter dazzled in an elegant gown, and their appearance sparked significant media attention and fan excitement. This moment solidified their status as one of Hollywood’s most notable couples of the year. They were photographed together at numerous other high-profile events throughout 2024, including the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party and various celebrity gatherings in Los Angeles and New York.

Professional Collaborations and Public Support

The “Please Please Please” Music Video Collaboration

One of the most significant moments in Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter’s relationship came when the actor starred as the male lead in her “Please Please Please” music video, released in June 2024. In the video, Keoghan played a playful criminal character who engaged in romantic scenes with Carpenter. When asked about casting him for the project, Carpenter told CBS: “I genuinely—like, a not-even-biased opinion—I was like, ‘Who’s the greatest actor that I can find for this music video?’ And he was next to me, in a chair. And he was so excited about it.” This collaboration demonstrated their chemistry and Carpenter’s confidence in Keoghan’s acting abilities, giving fans an inside look at their creative synergy.

Supporting Each Other’s Careers

Throughout their relationship, both Keoghan and Carpenter publicly supported each other’s professional endeavors. The actor was spotted in the crowd during Carpenter’s April 2024 Coachella performance, filming portions of her set on his phone. He was visibly proud and engaged during her performance, cracking genuine smiles as she performed. Keoghan also expressed enthusiasm about Carpenter’s multiple Grammy nominations in November 2024, telling the SiriusXM show “The Jess Cagle Show” that he was “really, really happy for her” and calling her work “absolutely brilliant.” These moments showcased a supportive partnership beyond their romantic connection.

During their relationship, Barry Keoghan regularly left enthusiastic comments on Sabrina Carpenter’s Instagram posts, expressing his admiration for her work and beauty. The actor’s engaging nature on social media became a notable aspect of their public relationship, with fans appreciating his genuine support and playful interactions. Carpenter reciprocated by sharing moments of their time together and acknowledging Keoghan’s presence at her professional events, creating a narrative of mutual celebration that resonated with their combined fanbase.

The December 2024 Breakup

Relationship Challenges and Schedule Conflicts

In early December 2024, after dating for approximately one year, Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter decided to take a break from their relationship. According to sources who spoke with People magazine, the couple’s separation stemmed from career demands and conflicting schedules. An insider revealed: “They are both young and career-focused, so they’ve decided to take a break.” Us Weekly provided additional context, noting that the situation became increasingly difficult as Carpenter embarked on her “Short n’ Sweet” tour, which required her to be frequently absent from Los Angeles.

Why the Relationship Ended

The primary factor contributing to their breakup was the incompatibility of their professional schedules. As Carpenter’s music career experienced explosive growth throughout 2024, with her album “Short n’ Sweet” gaining significant chart success, she found herself constantly traveling for performances and promotional appearances. Keoghan, meanwhile, was focused on his acting projects and fatherhood, and the couple struggled to maintain their connection amid the constant distance and time apart. According to sources, “It’s been challenging for their relationship since she started going on tour and has been gone a lot. Their schedules were not aligning. All the time spent apart it was hard to maintain a relationship amid her career exploding.”

How the Breakup Unfolded

Entertainment Tonight reported in early December 2024 that while the couple’s relationship had been “on and off” throughout the year, their final breakup in December was definitive. An ET source stated: “Things didn’t end well, and they are taking space from each other. Sabrina and Barry are definitely broken up right now. Sabrina isn’t sad over the breakup and is staying busy and distracted.” The source also indicated that Carpenter has focused on her career and personal well-being following the split, channeling her emotions into her music and professional projects.

Addressing Cheating Rumors

Following their breakup announcement, unfounded cheating rumors circulated on social media, particularly involving allegations about influencer Breckie Hill. However, sources close to both parties disputed these claims. A source told Us Weekly that Barry Keoghan was “very faithful and loyal” throughout his relationship with Carpenter and “very devoted to her happiness.” The rumors were largely debunked as speculation, with credible sources emphasizing that the couple’s separation was driven purely by schedule incompatibility and career focus rather than infidelity or relationship betrayal.

Sabrina Carpenter: Background and Career

Who Is Sabrina Carpenter?

Sabrina Carpenter is an American singer, actress, and songwriter born on May 11, 1992, in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. She initially gained recognition through her role as Maya Quill in the Disney Channel series “Girl Meets World,” where she appeared from 2014 to 2017. Since transitioning to music, Carpenter has established herself as a successful recording artist with multiple chart-topping singles and albums. Her recent album “Short n’ Sweet,” released in August 2024, achieved massive commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and spawning the hit single “Espresso.”

Carpenter’s Music Career Trajectory

Before dating Barry Keoghan, Carpenter released several successful albums, including “Emails I Can’t Send” (2022) and “Singular Act I and II” (2023). Her music explores themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth, resonating with audiences worldwide. The “Espresso” single became a cultural phenomenon, accumulating billions of streams and introducing Carpenter to new audiences globally. She has performed at major music festivals including Coachella and has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as one of the most relevant pop artists of the current generation.

Personal Details and Public Image

At 25 years old during her relationship with Barry Keoghan, Carpenter built a reputation for her authentic personality and engagement with fans through social media. She is known for her playful sense of humor, fashion sense, and willingness to discuss her personal life and relationships openly. Prior to dating Keoghan, she was romantically linked to actors Joshua Bassett and Shawn Mendes, though these relationships were not as extensively publicized. Carpenter maintains close relationships with her siblings and family and has spoken about the importance of maintaining her identity while navigating the entertainment industry.

Barry Keoghan’s Previous Relationships

Relationship with Alyson Sandro

Before his relationship with Sabrina Carpenter, Barry Keoghan was in a committed partnership with Alyson Sandro, a Scottish orthodontist. The couple met in February 2021, also in a pub setting, which has become a pattern in Keoghan’s romantic history. They welcomed their son, Brando, born on August 5, 2022, and initially lived together in Scotland. The couple remained together for approximately two-and-a-half years before news of their split emerged in January 2024. According to sources, they grew apart as Keoghan’s acting career demanded increased travel and time away from home.

Co-Parenting with Alyson Kierans

Following their separation, Keoghan and Sandro have maintained a positive co-parenting relationship for the benefit of their son. In interviews, Keoghan has spoken warmly about Sandro’s dedication to motherhood, stating in a 2024 GQ interview: “She’s done a great job, and she’s an incredible mother.” The actor made a point to inform Sandro about his new relationship with Sabrina Carpenter before the information became public, prioritizing transparency and respect. Both parents remain focused on providing Brando with a stable and loving environment despite their romantic separation.

Early Relationship with Shóna Guerin

Keoghan’s first known significant relationship was with photographer Shóna Guerin, whom he met in 2017. According to Keoghan’s own account, they met in a pub on Good Friday, establishing a romantic connection that lasted until 2020. During their relationship, Guerin attended multiple red carpet events with Keoghan as his career was beginning to take off. Keoghan has spoken publicly about Guerin’s influence on his life during challenging periods, noting that she provided emotional support during times of professional rejection and self-doubt. The couple eventually ended their relationship and unfollowed each other on Instagram, though Guerin maintains some photos of Keoghan on her social media accounts.

Barry Keoghan’s Current Status and Future

Single as of November 2025

Barry Keoghan is currently single as of November 2025, following his December 2024 breakup with Sabrina Carpenter. The actor has not been publicly linked to any new romantic partners since the split, choosing instead to focus on his career and his responsibilities as a father to his son Brando. Sources close to Keoghan indicate that he remains “very focused on his career and being a dad,” suggesting that his priorities remain centered on professional achievement and parenting rather than pursuing new romantic relationships.

Recent Career Focus

In 2025, Keoghan has concentrated on his acting projects and professional commitments. He was nominated for an Irish Film & Television Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film “Bird,” demonstrating his continued relevance in contemporary cinema. The actor was also rumored to be in consideration for the role of Ringo Starr in director Sam Mendes’ highly anticipated Beatles biographical film project, which will be divided into four separate films focusing on each band member. These career developments indicate that Keoghan is actively pursuing substantial and meaningful roles that showcase his range as a performer.

Fatherhood and Personal Priorities

Keoghan has become increasingly open about the importance of fatherhood in his life and has expressed his commitment to being a present and engaged father to his son Brando. He has spoken about balancing the demands of his acting career with his responsibilities as a parent, indicating that his priorities have shifted to encompass family alongside professional ambitions. This perspective reflects his maturity and personal growth, particularly given his challenging childhood experiences.

Barry Keoghan’s Early Life and Background

Overcoming Adversity

Barry Keoghan was born on October 18, 1992, in Summerhill, Dublin, Ireland, and his childhood was marked by significant hardship and tragedy. His mother struggled with drug addiction for years and tragically died from an overdose when Barry was just 12 years old. Following his mother’s death, Keoghan spent seven years in foster care, living in thirteen different homes before his grandmother took custody of him at age nine. Despite these traumatic experiences, the actor has developed remarkable resilience and has transformed his pain into powerful on-screen performances that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Path to Acting

Rather than initially pursuing acting, Keoghan was drawn to boxing as a young person, finding solace and discipline in the sport. However, his genuine breakthrough into the performing arts came when he enrolled at The Factory, a Dublin-based drama school, to avoid attending regular classes. The actor has admitted that he was “the class clown” in school and deliberately signed up for theatrical productions to skip his regular academic obligations. Once he discovered acting, however, his passion intensified, and he realized he had found his true calling. His determination and talent eventually led to early roles in Irish television productions including “Love/Hate” and “Fair City.”

Rise to International Recognition

Keoghan’s breakthrough came in 2017 with his chilling performance as Martin, a vengeful teenager, in Yorgos Lanthimos’ “The Killing of a Sacred Deer,” directed alongside Colin Farrell. This role earned him international critical acclaim and established him as a serious acting talent. He followed this success with appearances in Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk” and later received an Oscar nomination for his supporting role in Martin McDonagh’s “The Banshees of Inisherin” (2022). His portrayal of the vulnerable and troubled Dominic Kearney in that film showcased his range and emotional depth, earning him a BAFTA Award and multiple other nominations.

Practical Information and Celebrity Relationship Dynamics

Public vs. Private Life

Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter navigated their relationship in the public eye, balancing privacy with the inevitable media attention that comes with dating in Hollywood. The couple maintained relatively measured public displays of affection compared to some celebrity couples, choosing to reveal their relationship gradually rather than immediately confirming rumors. They attended major events together but also maintained individual professional lives and social circles, demonstrating the importance of independence even within romantic partnerships.

Managing Media Scrutiny

The couple experienced intense media scrutiny throughout their relationship, with various outlets speculating about their status based on social media activity, public sightings, and unnamed sources. Keoghan and Carpenter handled this pressure by remaining relatively silent about relationship details, allowing their representatives to release brief statements when necessary. This approach protected their privacy while maintaining enough public presence to acknowledge their relationship without oversharing personal details.

Work-Life Balance Challenges

One of the most significant challenges Keoghan and Carpenter faced was maintaining their relationship while managing demanding professional schedules. The entertainment industry frequently requires artists to travel extensively, maintain irregular schedules, and dedicate enormous time and energy to their careers. For Carpenter specifically, the success of “Short n’ Sweet” created unprecedented demands on her time, requiring extensive touring and promotional appearances that kept her away from Los Angeles and her relationship for extended periods. This reality underscores the particular difficulties celebrity couples face compared to those in other professions.

Lessons from High-Profile Relationships

The Keoghan-Carpenter relationship provides insight into modern celebrity dating dynamics, demonstrating that even couples with genuine affection and mutual respect can face insurmountable challenges when career demands conflict. Their separation was notably amicable, with both parties focusing on their professional accomplishments rather than engaging in public conflict or blame. This mature approach to their breakup offers a contrast to some celebrity separations that become tabloid fodder and sources of ongoing drama.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Barry Keoghan currently dating?

Barry Keoghan is currently single as of November 2025. His most recent public relationship was with pop star Sabrina Carpenter, which ended in December 2024 after approximately one year of dating.

How long did Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter date?

Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter dated for approximately one year, from December 2023 to December 2024. They first met during Paris Fashion Week in September 2023 and were spotted on romantic dates starting in early December 2023.

Why did Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter break up?

The primary reason for their breakup was conflicting schedules and career demands. Sabrina Carpenter’s music career experienced explosive growth throughout 2024, requiring her to tour extensively, while Barry Keoghan was focused on his acting projects and fatherhood. The couple found it increasingly difficult to maintain their relationship amid the constant distance and time apart.

Did Barry Keoghan cheat on Sabrina Carpenter?

No, credible sources close to both Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter have indicated that he did not cheat. Rumors circulated on social media following their breakup, but these were debunked. Multiple insiders confirmed that Keoghan was “very faithful and loyal” throughout the relationship, and the breakup was caused solely by schedule incompatibility.

Was Barry Keoghan in the “Please Please Please” music video?

Yes, Barry Keoghan starred in Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please Please Please” music video released in June 2024. He played a playful criminal character alongside Carpenter in the visually striking and widely watched video. This was one of the most notable collaborations during their relationship.

How old is Barry Keoghan?

Barry Keoghan was born on October 18, 1992, making him 32 years old as of November 2025. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, specifically in the Summerhill neighborhood.

How old is Sabrina Carpenter?

Sabrina Carpenter was born on May 11, 1992, making her 25 years old during most of her relationship with Barry Keoghan. She is originally from Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, and began her career as an actress before transitioning to music.

Does Barry Keoghan have any children?

Yes, Barry Keoghan has one child, a son named Brando, who was born on August 5, 2022. Brando’s mother is Alyson Sandro, Keoghan’s former partner. The actor prioritizes his role as a father and maintains an amicable co-parenting relationship with Sandro.

What films has Barry Keoghan appeared in?

Barry Keoghan has appeared in numerous notable films including “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” (2017), “Dunkirk” (2017), “The Batman” (2022), “The Banshees of Inisherin” (2022), “Saltburn” (2023), and “Bird” (2025). He has also appeared in television productions including “Love/Hate” and “Chernobyl.”

Has Barry Keoghan been nominated for any awards?

Yes, Barry Keoghan has received multiple major award nominations and wins. He won a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor for “The Banshees of Inisherin” and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for the same role. He has also been nominated for numerous other awards including Golden Globes and IFTA Awards.

When did Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter meet?

Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter met during Paris Fashion Week on September 28, 2023, at a Givenchy show. Both attended the fashion event independently, and their first public appearance together occurred in early December 2023 when paparazzi photographed them dining together in Brentwood, California.

Did Barry Keoghan attend Sabrina Carpenter’s Coachella performance?

Yes, Barry Keoghan was present during Sabrina Carpenter’s April 2024 Coachella performance. He filmed portions of her set on his phone and was visibly proud and engaged throughout her performance. They were also spotted leaving the show together later that evening.

What is Barry Keoghan’s nationality?

Barry Keoghan is Irish, having been born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. He is known for his Irish accent and often references his Irish heritage in interviews. His ethnic background and upbringing significantly influenced his early life experiences and artistic development.

Is Barry Keoghan dating anyone currently?

As of November 2025, Barry Keoghan is not publicly dating anyone. He remains single following his December 2024 breakup with Sabrina Carpenter and has not been linked to any new romantic partners since their separation.

How did Barry Keoghan overcome his difficult childhood?

Barry Keoghan overcame his challenging childhood through resilience, determination, and his discovery of acting as an outlet for his emotions. His grandmother’s care and support after his mother’s death provided a stable foundation, and his involvement in acting allowed him to channel his trauma into powerful performances. He has spoken about his background not being a “pity story” but rather a defining aspect of his journey to success.

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