The Irish Echo is the only Irish newspaper in the Asia Pacific region.

Established in 1988 in Sydney, the Echo is a newspaper for expats, those of Irish heritage and anyone interested in the Irish culture.

Originally called the Irish Exile after the first Irish newspaper published in Australia back in the 19th century, the publication was established by two Irishmen – Billy Cantwell from Navan, Co Meath and Seamus Maher from Fethard, Co Tipperary.

The first edition was distributed only in Sydney. In March 1989, distribution was extended to Melbourne and Brisbane with a second edition.

Then, in May 1989, the first regular edition was published with copies sent to all Australian states.

In March 1992, Mr Cantwell took over the newspaper and changed its title to the Irish Echo.

A month later, we published our first full colour cover. Then, in 1995, the newspaper switched from a monthly to a fortnightly edition.

The arrival of the internet proved a challenge for the Echo as Irish daily newspapers became available online for free.

But the newspaper adapted, becoming more focused on local stories and local issues.

Early in 2001, we unveiled our new masthead including its trademark Irish take on the Australian Southern Cross.

In 2006, we published a new magazine – Irish Down Under – in Ireland. The full-colour publication was aimed at those Irish looking to work and live in Australia.

The magazine mutated into a new title – Live Work Travel Australia –which is now published twice annually in Ireland. A new UK edition is on the way and a website – liveworkaustralia.com – will be launched in December.

The Irish Echo brand is now firmly established as the Australian Irish newspaper. In 2009, the newspaper celebrated its 20th anniversary by publishing, for the first time, the Top 100 Irish Australians of all time in a gloss-covered edition that won acclaim across Australia and beyond.

Back in 2005, the Irish Echo dipped its toe in the world of online publishing with a new website.

The site is the number one online destination for expats and those interested in Irish Australia. We have also added an e-newsletter which is published twice weekly.

After 23 years in print, the Irish Echo Australia continues to set the benchmark for expat newspapers around the globe.