Darren Shan's real name is Darren O'Shaughnessy. Although he is Irish, he was born on the 2nd July, 1972, in St. Thomas’ Hospital, London -- directly across the river from the Houses of Parliament in Westminster (which may explain his fascination with evil bloodsuckers ...). He lived in SouthEast London, near the Elephant & Castle. He started school at the early age of three (he was such a wild child, no pre-school facility would have him!), in English Martyr's. At the age of six, he moved to Limerick in Ireland, with his parents and younger brother, and has lived there ever since (but he never lost his London accent!).