Declan O'Rourke​ : Masculinity, Empathy & the Simple Life

Topics covered: Family, childhood, emigration, love, fatherhood, masculinity, patriarchy, Palestine, empathy, apathy, humanity, community, collective action, LSD, anxiety, panic attacks, creativity and music.

This week I'm joined by singer-songwriter, author and actor Declan O'Rourke.

Originally from Ballyfermot in Dublin, Declan grew up with his parents and three siblings. He spent part of his childhood in Australia, where the family lived for four years before returning to Ireland. By the time he turned 30, he had moved an incredible 27 times. Now 50, he's called Kinvara, County Galway, home for almost 20 years, with a special connection to the area ​on his mother's side.

Family is central to his life​ and is a proud Dad to two sons: Jonah is 20 and Londubh is 8.

In this conversation he recalls his three-day wedding celebration on Inishbofin with his wife Eime​ar.

We explore what masculinity means to him, the expectations placed on men and the importance of challenging harmful patriarchal attitudes. Having experienced life as an immigrant, he reflects on the importance of empathy and our shared humanity. We discuss his longstanding support for Palestine, his frustration with apathy and his belief in the power of communities coming together.

​He also opens up about a frightening LSD (acid) experience at 19 and the years of fear, anxiety and panic attacks that followed. He explains why he kept his struggles to himself and how he eventually came to understand what was happening.

We talk about his eighth studio album, Oceanic, out now and recorded in Sydney, Australia. We also touch on his music and novels exploring the Great Irish Famine, and his acting role in Almost With You.

A self-confessed introvert, Declan loves the ​simple life: family, ​a bit of DIY, his dog, cat and chickens​ and he also dream​s of spending more time in Italy.

MORE FROM DECLAN

Music, Oceanic and tour dates: https://declanorourke.com

His work on the Great Irish Famine:

- Chronicles of the Great Irish Famine (2017) - album

- The Pawnbroker's Reward (2021) - novel

- A Whisper from Oblivion (2023) - novel

Film: Almost With You (2026) - https://almostwithyou.com

Book mentioned: Essential Help for Your Nerves by Dr Claire Weekes, which Declan found helpful in understanding anxiety and panic attacks.

CONTENT NOTE & SUPPORT

This conversation discusses LSD (acid), a distressing drug experience, anxiety and panic attacks. Declan's experience of coping alone is personal to him and is not advice to manage mental health difficulties without help. If anything resonates or feels distressing, please speak to your GP or a qualified mental health professional. Support is available:

- HSE Your Mental Health: https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/ | 1800 111 888 (24/7 information line)

- Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/ireland/ | 116 123 (24/7)

- Text About It: text HELLO to 50808 (24/7)

- HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline: 1800 459 459 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm)

You don't have to go through difficult times alone.

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