Jonathan lives in Mullagh, County Cavan, where the family have an organic farm and forestry. Cousin of Kildare born Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. He is the family historian for the Irish Shackletons, whose ancestor, Abraham Shackleton, founded a famous school in Ballitore, County Kildare, Ireland in 1726.

He is a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin and a Masters Degree from Ohio State University for work in Arctic Alaska

Jonathan has accompanied 44 groups on trips to the Antarctic in the past 25 years as historian, guide, photographer and Zodiac driver. Many highlights include landing on Elephant Island, visiting South Georgia, and the Ross Sea.

He is author with John McKenna of "Shackleton - An Irishman in Antarctica."

He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He has given many talks and interviews around the world about Shackleton and polar history. An annual highlight is attending the annual International Shackleton Autumn School in Athy, Co. Kildare.