Joe Armstrong was born in Dublin and grew up in Donnycarney on the city’s northside. He spent nine years studying for the Roman Catholic priesthood but left shortly before ordination. He taught English and religion at Saint Bonaventure’s Comprehensive School in London’s East End for five years. He met and married Ruth while in England and the couple returned to Ireland after the birth of their son.

Joe is an author, journalist and editor. He spent seven years as a columnist with The Irish Times and he was managing editor for Ireland of an international academic publisher. He is a former chair of Irish PEN. "From Belief to Unbelief" is his first documentary.

Joe’s website is www.joearmstrong.ie