She first saw opera live at Milan's La Scala when she worked there as an au pair after leaving school.
[3] She then decided she wanted to be an opera singer and upon her return home began her first singing lessons age 18.
In 2007 Byrne was awarded the first prize and gold medal at the Maria Callas Grand Prix, Athens.
Other awards include the Margaret Burke Sheridan Gold Medal in 2009 for her contribution to the arts, the William Young Prize at the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition, Dublin 2007, and the Brabants Dagblad Press Prize at the International Vocal Competition 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.
[4][5] Byrne made her operatic debut as Mimì in Scottish Opera's 2010 production of La bohème.