Daniel O’Donnell Prepares for Emotional “Last Irish Tour” with Wife Majella by His Side
DONEGAL, Ireland — Beloved Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell is preparing to return to his roots for what is expected to be one of the most emotional tours of his remarkable career. Joined by his wife Majella, the “Last Irish Tour” — first announced in 2025 and now extended into 2026 — will take him across Ireland in a farewell journey filled with music, memories, and heartfelt gratitude.
For O’Donnell, 62, who has sold more than 15 million records worldwide and maintained an extraordinary four-decade career, this tour is more than just a series of concerts. It is a homecoming, a chance to reconnect with audiences who have been by his side from his earliest days in parish halls and village pubs to sold-out shows at iconic venues such as London’s Royal Albert Hall and New York’s Carnegie Hall.
Speaking about the decision, O’Donnell emphasized that the “Last Irish Tour” is not simply a closing chapter, but rather a celebration of a lifelong bond with his fans. “This is not goodbye to music,” he recently said, “but it is a way of marking just how much the people of Ireland have given me. Every step of this journey has been shaped by the love and loyalty of those who came to the shows, bought the records, and believed in me.”
The presence of Majella O’Donnell, Daniel’s wife of more than 20 years, is expected to bring an even deeper sense of intimacy and authenticity to the shows. Their relationship, which has endured both triumph and hardship — including Majella’s highly public battle with breast cancer in 2013 — remains a central part of Daniel’s story and appeal. Together, they have become symbols of resilience and devotion, admired as much for their marriage as for their professional achievements.
The tour will see O’Donnell perform in towns and cities across Ireland, with setlists expected to blend fan favorites such as “Stand Beside Me,” “My Donegal Shore,” and “I Just Want to Dance With You” alongside newer material. In keeping with his reputation for warmth and accessibility, he is also expected to share personal stories from his early years, his family life, and the many experiences that shaped his career.
For fans, the announcement has sparked a wave of emotion. On social media, tributes have poured in, with many describing the upcoming concerts as “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunities. One fan wrote: “Daniel has been the soundtrack to my life. To see him one last time in Ireland will be a dream come true.” Another added: “His voice feels like home. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
The “Last Irish Tour” also underscores O’Donnell’s enduring ability to reinvent his career while staying grounded in his identity as a Donegal man. Since his breakthrough in the 1980s, he has achieved unparalleled success, becoming the first artist to chart an album in the UK Top 40 for 35 consecutive years. Despite his international fame, however, O’Donnell has always remained closely tied to his Irish heritage, often citing his upbringing in Kincasslagh as the foundation of his music and values.
Industry observers note that while O’Donnell has taken breaks from touring before, this announcement feels more definitive. In 2014, he stepped back temporarily to support Majella during her cancer treatment, and in 2012 he reduced his touring schedule after celebrating 30 years in music. Yet even with those pauses, his career momentum never waned. Now, as he enters this new chapter, fans are keenly aware that these performances could mark the last chance to see him on home soil in such a sweeping tour.
Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, with promoters confirming overwhelming demand across the country. Venues in Dublin, Belfast, Cork, and Galway are already preparing for capacity crowds, while smaller regional stops will allow O’Donnell to bring his farewell directly to the communities where his journey first began.
As O’Donnell prepares to take the stage once more, the “Last Irish Tour” promises not only to honor his extraordinary legacy but also to reflect the gratitude and humility that have defined his career. “At the end of the day,” he has said, “it all comes back to the people. The music is my gift to them, but the love they’ve shown me is the greatest gift of all.”
With Majella by his side and the whole of Ireland ready to welcome him home, Daniel O’Donnell’s farewell tour is set to be a deeply moving celebration of a life in song — and a reminder that while the concerts may end, the connection between artist and audience will never fade.