Untold Sounds with Seàn Ronayne

Ornithologist Seán Ronayne, from Cobh, is on a remarkable mission: to record the sound of every bird species in Ireland—nearly 200 in total. Often accompanied by his partner Alba, Seán travels to some of Ireland’s most remote and breathtaking locations in search of the country’s rarest birds and most captivating soundscapes. From the bustling seabird colony on Skellig Michael to a quiet, untouched woodland in the Burren; from the corncrake stronghold of Tory Island to a solitary nest in the uplands of Donegal—no place is too far in his quest to listen.

In this rich, sound-filled talk, Seán takes the audience on a journey through Ireland’s birdlife, sharing their songs, stories, and struggles. Along the way, we also get to know Seán himself. His hypersensitivity to sound, both a challenge and a gift, has shaped his life and his work.

His story is at once inspiring and deeply moving—a powerful reminder of the beauty and importance of sound. Through listening, he reveals what it can teach us about the health of our natural world—and how it can heal and nourish the soul.