The 63-year-old singer has planned a “two-year sabbatical”, which includes time in his native Donegal and his “home from home” Tenerife, as well as an extended trip to Australia in 2027.
The much-loved singer will finish this phase of his successful career with a concert in his local St Mary’s Church in Kincasslagh on Sunday, December 21, in aid of parish funds.
“After more than 40 years as a touring singer I’ve finally taken a sabbatical,” Daniel told the Irish Independent.
“Apart from singing in my local church before Christmas, I’m now officially on a break for most of the next two years.”
Accustomed to a busy lifestyle, Daniel said there will still be “some events” on his calendar that include the annual Gertrude Byrne Cruise, the Opry le Daniel TG4 series, the Relay for Life charity and the Mary From Dungloe Festival.
Daniel on Strictly with Kristina Rihanoff
But the father and grandfather is looking forward to a break in the sunshine, and catching up with his family abroad.
“For the most part my time will be my own and we’ll be spending it with the family at home and abroad as well as enjoying some travel for holidays,” he continued.
“Tenerife has been a home from home for many decades and we intend to spend time there as well as in Donegal.
“And with family in Australia now there are also plans for an extended trip Down Under in 2027.
“But just to reiterate what I’ve said in the past, this is not a retirement announcement. As Arnie says, I’ll be back.”
Daniel said he is “very happy” right now in his lifetime, and thinks the “secret” for the future is to tour at his own pace.
“I am looking forward to the break. I’m very happy now where I am in my life,” he continued.
Daniel performs on stage
“And I’ll never come back to touring again the way I did. When I do come back it will be at my own pace and I won’t be doing as many shows again as I did in the past.
“I think at this stage of my life and career the secret is to tour at my own pace.
“These days I like to be able to do two shows and take a day off.
“And I would love to think that the band I finished with will be able to come back because I just enjoy their company so much,” he added.
After first rising to public attention in 1983, Daniel O’Donnell has become a household name in Ireland, UK and around the world, and has sold over 10 million records to date.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.independent.ie ’
