For Daniel O'Donnell and his bride Majella McLennan life begins at 40 - or to be more precise 41.

They will tie the knot in O'Donnell's home village of Kincasslagh - a one shop, one pub beauty spot on Donegal's western coast.

The setting is a picture postcard 19th century church. St Mary's has played a central role in the singer's life.

He was baptised there and it is also where he sung the first notes on his way to stardom.

More than 500 family and friends have been invited to the service at 1300 GMT on Monday, even though the church can only comfortably accommodate 400.

Thousands of fans are expected to turn up for a glimpse of their idol, with several coach loads scheduled to arrive from England and Scotland.

The local curate, Fr Pat Ward, said they would probably have to introduce a one-way traffic system for the day.

He and the broadcaster Fr Brian D'Arcy will officiate at the wedding.

Home bird

O'Donnell may have made millions from record sales and concerts in Ireland, the UK, America and Australia, but he remains a down-to-earth home-bird.

I see Daniel, as Daniel the person, as opposed to Daniel the entertainer

When not touring, he can be found playing whist with local women in the church hall on Tuesdays. He even helps make the tea.

His last night of bachelorhood was spent at his mother Julia's house in Kincasslagh, while his bride will leave from the cliff-top home she will share with O'Donnell on nearby Cruit Island.

The next door neighbour will drive her to church in a Rolls Royce.

Speaking before the wedding, Majella told the BBC: "I see Daniel, as Daniel the person, as opposed to Daniel the entertainer, although obviously that is huge part of his life and I enjoy very much what he does and he enjoys it so much."

She added that she was hoping it would be dry for her wedding day, but added: "As long as Daniel turns up I'll be very happy." O'Donnell and divorcee Majella McLennan met in Tenerife two years ago.

At one point it was thought they may marry in a civil ceremony on the island, but Ms McLennan's annulment has granted them "a dream wedding".

The couple will have a working honeymoon.

They depart for the United States on Wednesday where O'Donnell will begin a tour soon after.