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The always popular Laois Abroad series returns for the third time in 2025.
Up next is a Rosenallis woman who has made Austria her home.
After living away from home since she became an adult, Olwyn Joyce is now settled and has been living in Stans in Tyrol (spelled Tirol in Austria) in the central European country.
Tyrol is a western Austrian state in the Alps that’s known for its ski resorts, historic sites and folk traditions.
In a brilliant interview, Olwyn describes how life has taken her from Rosenallis, to Thailand, back to Galway and, since 2022, to Austria.
Where are you originally from, when did you move away, and where are you now?
I’m originally from Rosenallis. I’ve lived away from home since moving to college at 17, but I moved permanently to Tyrol in Austria three years ago.
I’m self-employed and working as a Business Development and Bid Consultant.
Essentially, I work with companies who are responding to tenders; I help them with their bid strategy, bid management and bid writing.
Funnily enough, most of my work is with Irish companies.
How did you end up in Autria?
I met my Austrian boyfriend, Markus, when I lived and worked in Thailand. He worked for an Austrian company there.
I lived in Thailand for just over two years before moving back to Ireland with Markus.
I wanted to show him a bit of Irish culture and make sure he understood that “feck” isn’t such a bad word!
After living in Galway for two and a half years, we both decided that Austria might suit us better, so we moved over on June 1, 2022.
What’s the best thing about living abroad?
I love the weather here! You really get four seasons. Also, the Austrian train system is brilliant.
You can travel from my little village to multiple other European countries. They run frequently, even overnight, and are extremely reliable.
Have you visited Laois much since you left?
Yes. In my first year, I flew back to Ireland every three months to take my driving lessons. I couldn’t find a driving school here that offered lessons in English.
I also visit my family every six months or so. Flights are frequent from Munich, but you can also fly to Salzburg, Vienna or even Innsbruck, depending on your preference.
What’s the funniest or strangest thing that has happened to you on your travels?
Probably my misunderstanding and mispronunciation of words. The German they speak in Austria is not clear, particularly in Tyrol; they speak with a very strong dialect.
I’ve picked up most of my German from speaking with friends. When you want to say that someone is lucky, you’d say “Fetten Kob”. Meanwhile, to call someone a Fat Head, you’d say “Fetten Kopf”…
When you learn through conversation, these two sound very similar! Thankfully, the Austrians aren’t easily offended!
What have you learned most since leaving Ireland?
Probably the value of having a good work-life balance.
Do you meet many people from Ireland or Laois where you’re living now?
Yes! The city of Innsbruck is 30 minutes away, and there is an Irish bar called the Galway Bay.
A Galway man runs it, and it’s a really lovely spot to go to for a good pint of Guinness and watch the GAA or rugby.
There is always a nice crowd of Irish people there, mostly those who live in Innsbruck. Plus, they have trad sessions each month where you can bring your instrument and play along.
What do you miss most about Ireland?
Of course, my family and friends. They do come to visit often, which is great. Also, chicken fillet rolls!
Will you return to live in Laois at some point in the future?
Unlikely. We’re starting to build a house here this Summer, so I’m happy to say I’m pretty settled.
Anything else you would like to add?
If you’re looking for a nice holiday, there are some beautiful places to see throughout the year, especially in Tyrol.
If you are from Laois and living abroad please get in contact with us to tell your story.
Anyone who is interested can contact us on any of our social media channels or email us on news@laoistoday.ie.
