Aran Island Discs ☘️

About Aran Island Discs ☘️

Aran Island Discs is an intimate, Irish-hearted interview series in which guests explore the soundtrack of their lives. Inspired by the timeless tradition of storytelling and the wild spirit of the Aran Islands, each episode blends conversation, memory, and music into a vivid portrait of the person behind the public image. Across candid, often deeply personal interviews, recall songs that shaped them — the tunes that carried them through childhood, challenge, triumph, heartbreak, and homecoming. These musical choices become gateways to unexpected stories: the mentor who changed everything, the night everything nearly fell apart, the place they return to in their mind when the world gets loud. Recorded with warmth, humour, and unmistakable Irish authenticity, Aran Island Discs celebrates culture, creativity, and the emotional power of music. Whether the guest is a celebrated artist, an athlete, a thinker, or a local legend, every episode offers a fresh perspective on the people who shape Irish life today. Settle in. Take the ferry. Discover the stories that live between the notes. The podcast presenter is Rossa McDermott, and the series is recorded at Dublin South Podcast Studios in Dundrum. The concept is devised by Dos Amigos, and edited by Peter Rice #aranislanddiscs #podcast #podcastseries #nusic #rossamcdermott #acast #spotify #applemusic #ireland #inismor #inismeain #inismaan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Rossa McDermott

Category

history · music · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Mar 2026

Latest episode

26 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

31 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Oct 2026

   John Gunning

   John Gunning is an Irishman who carved out an extraordinary and unconventional career in Japan, becoming one of the best-known English-language commentators on sumo wrestling. Originally from Ireland, Gunning's journey took him thousands of miles from home into the fascinating and intensely traditional world of Japanese sumo. What began as a personal interest developed into a remarkable immersion in a sport that is as much about Japanese culture, ritual and identity as it is about physical co...

2. 

   24 Oct 2026

   Rob Kirwan

   Rob Kirwan has spent more than 35 years working with some of the world's most influential musicians, including U2, PJ Harvey, Depeche Mode, Hozier and Bell X1. His appearance on Aran Island Discs reveals some particularly unusual stories. Amazon Music +1 1. He was obsessed with music at just five years old. He remembers refusing to leave his father's car because he wanted to continue listening to a song playing on the cassette deck. 2. He grew up in Wexford. His childhood and formative ...

3. 

   12 Oct 2026

   Rhona Mahony

   Professor Rhona Mahony is one of Ireland’s most influential figures in women's healthcare, a pioneering obstetrician whose career has combined medical leadership, public controversy, international humanitarian work and a determination to improve the lives of women. Best known as the first woman to become Master of the National Maternity Hospital at Holles Street in Dublin, she broke a significant barrier in Irish medicine when she took up the position in 2012. Her story, however, extends far ...

Contact Aran Island Discs ☘️

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.