Writing
Ciarán is the winner of The Observer / Anthony Burgess Prize 2026 for his review of Miguel Connor’s The Occult Elvis.
Ongoing writing projects include a picaresque novel set in the early ’90s Dublin rave scene that explores gnosticism, mythology and Irish dreamtime. He is also working on a collection of short stories.
Music
Ciarán has performed as a DJ in Ireland, the UK and across Europe. His sets are an exploration of Irish breaks, beats and dance music. He is currently working on a series of Irish hip hop mixes inspired by Double Dee & Steinski’s Lessons.
He is also a recording artist with two albums released which blend trip hop and folk rock: Ithaca, Regained (2025) and Tidal Islands (2014). Both albums are inspired by Connemara in the west of Ireland.
As a session musician and producer Ciarán has worked with dozens of artists, including Bonobo and Rough Fields. He holds a degree in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music and a masters degree in Music Production from HKU, Utrecht.
Artwork
Ciarán O'Rourke 