Laois Abroad is brought to you in association with Abbeyleix Chauffeur Services
The always popular Laois Abroad series returns for the fifth time in 2025.
Up next is a Mountrath woman Danielle Towell who moved to Australia in 2022.
Her and her partner Evan arrived in Sydney and drove to Perth – 3,846km away.
Here, the couple set up their home and had their son Jaxson in January 2024.
Below, Danielle tells her story:
Where are you originally from, when did you move away, and where are you now?
I’m originally from Mountrath and I’ve been living in Australia since 2022.
Myself and my partner moved in May of that year and originally arrived in Sydney.
We were so lucky to be able to see so much on the drive over.
Since arriving in Perth, we have definitely made a home for ourselves we had our son in January 2024.
I work in childcare over here and I love it.
What’s the best thing about living abroad?
The best thing about living here is waking up with the sun shining and going for evening walks on the beach.
The daily life here and opportunities has made us want to build a life for our family.
Of course missing our loving families is hard and special occasions can be very tough.
But the support we have got from everyone back home to go and enjoy our life has been unbelievable.
Have you visited Laois much since you left?
Our first time to be home was this April after three years away.
The excitement of seeing everyone and them meeting our son for the first time was so special.
What’s the funniest or strangest thing that has happened to you on your travels?
On our journey from Sydney to Perth we had to download a Netflix series because we lost internet for nearly a day.
We had no Google Maps, no signal – literally just out in the outback.
What have you learned most since leaving Ireland?
I have learned to grow up and go see the world.
There’s way more out there to see not just the town where you are from. Meeting new people has also been a brilliant experience.
Do you meet many people from Ireland or Laois where you’re living now?
Where we’re living is south of Perth, there’s a good few Irish here.
Laois people not so much, most of them seem to be in Sydney.
What do you miss most about Ireland?
We both miss the food!
Being home we had spice bags, chippers, Supermac’s and of course – having your family close by!
Will you return to live in Laois at some point in the future?
I don’t know! The plan is to live abroad but you never know what the future holds.
Laois still, and will always, have our hearts.
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.
Laois Abroad is brought to you in association with Abbeyleix Chauffeur Services
SEE ALSO – Check out previous editions of Laois Abroad here
