O'Rourke graduated from University College, Dublin and pursued his musical studies in Antwerp and Paris. He studied piano under Marcel Ciampi, a pupil of Debussy.
In 1976, he gave his first public recital in France, playing an all-Chopin programme to great acclaim. This led to his career as a highly respected performer internationally. Miceál O'Rourke has performed at major venues such as Boston Symphony Hall, Washington Kennedy Centre, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, the Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, Moscow Conservatory Great Hall, Saint Petersburg Philharmonia, Salle Pleyel in Paris and the National Concert Hall in Dublin.