Ireland is married to Dr. Greg Olsen and lives in Santa Barbara, California, with three children: son Erik born, May 1994, and daughters Lily, born 27 October 1998, and Chloe, born March 2003. She has two sisters: Mary Ireland and Cynthia Ireland.

Ireland has recently become outspoken about being pro-life. On Politically Incorrect, she said that she used to be pro-choice, and said that after reading her husband's biology books, she determined, "At the moment of conception, life starts".

Ireland gave a speech at the 4th Youth Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters on 13 August 2007 on a subject of social entrepreneurship and partnerships.