Caitríona Perry was born on 15 October 1980 in Rathmines, Dublin, Ireland and grew up in the Knocklyon area of Dublin. Her parents’ names have not been widely published, as she has largely kept her family background private.

She studied journalism at Dublin City University, later earning a Master’s degree in International Relations from the same institution. Her academic background in journalism and global politics shaped her interest in international reporting and diplomacy.

Perry began working with RTÉ News in 2007 and gradually became one of Ireland’s best-known journalists. In 2013 she was appointed RTÉ’s Washington correspondent, reporting on U.S. politics including the 2016 presidential election and the early years of Donald Trump’s presidency.

After nearly 16 years with RTÉ, she joined BBC News in 2023 as a Chief Presenter based in Washington, D.C., anchoring global programmes including BBC World News America and The Context USA.

She currently lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband and their two children while continuing to report on U.S. politics and international affairs.