"Not a retirement" - Daniel O'Donnell announces "extended break" from touring

Irish singer and presenter Daniel O'Donnell - the proud Donegal native often known affectionately as 'Wee Daniel' - has announced a touring break, but insists it is not a retirement from music.

"After much reflection, Daniel has decided to take an extended break from touring," a message posted on the Irish singer's social media on Thursday, May 15 said.

"This decision was not made lightly, but it is driven by the health challenges he has faced over the past few years, particularly with allergies and recurrent chest infections while touring extensively.

"Daniel will continue his touring commitments until December 2025, but he has realised that he needs to step back and focus on his health and well-being. This pause is essential for him to recharge and recover. He emphasises that 'this is not a retirement but rather a temporary break.'

"Early next year, Daniel will host his annual Opry le Daniel shows on TG4.

"Additionally, in September 2026, he will perform as he has for many years on Gertrude Byrne's Mediterranean Cruise. These will be his only confirmed performances for the year."

Now 63, O'Donnell has previously said: "While I stay in fairly good shape for the stage, I’m not a keep-fit fanatic and my choice of foods is not particularly healthy. I like fried onions with steak and chips. I don’t like vegetables or salads very much. I don’t drink tea or coffee but I used to love tea and I had a reputation for drinking lots of it. On a day when I’m working I would boil the kettle and have hot water and a bar of chocolate."

O'Donnell is scheduled to perform in his native Co Donegal on Thursday, and in Derry on Friday.

For the rest of the year, the Irish singer has two dozen concerts lined up for Ireland, the US, and the UK.

O'Donnell's announcement on Thursday comes the same week the singer made a warm impression on the staff of The Farmer's Kitchen Hotel in Co Wexford: