Meet the Creator
Ronan grew up in Dundalk, County Louth, on the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland. His musical education didn't happen in a classroom; it happened in the living room, guided by his grandfather, Aidan. A multi-instrumentalist who plays by ear, Ronan focuses on the Mandolin, Banjo, Tin Whistle, Piano and a bit of Cajon because he can't play the Bodhrán.
Now based in Okinawa, Japan, he manages Inside Irish Music from nearly 10,000 kilometers away. This distance offers a unique perspective—looking back at Irish heritage not just as a local tradition, but as a global story that needs preserving.
The Mission: An Audio Archive
The channel began as a personal project to break a creative rut. It has since evolved into a dedicated historical archive.
Most resources focus on technique—how to play the notes. Inside Irish Music investigates the context—why the notes were written. Folk songs are the oral history of Ireland, documenting the Famine, the rebellions, and the reality of life for previous generations. This platform exists to uncover those stories and treat traditional music as a historical record, not just entertainment.
A Note on Learning
Building this platform required stepping past the anxiety of "what ifs." That experience frames Ronan's philosophy for anyone picking up an instrument for the first time:
"Take it easy. Irish music is a conversation. You sit, you listen, you learn, you play. Don't let worry get in the way of the joy."