The Irish have a reputation for eccentricity, and it's not entirely undeserved. Join us on a tour through some of the most memorable, from one of Dublin's most loved characters, to Dublin's most famous madams, via vegan farmers, aristocratic jailrats, and the only High Queen of Ireland. Ireland wouldn't be the same without wild old characters like these

Wild Old Times is a podcast about the strange and obscure corners of Irish history, written and presented by Ciaran Conliffe.

Our logo is by Liffy Designs.

The opening theme is The Cat That Ate The Candle. The closing theme is The Parting Glass. Both were recorded by Gregory Mahan and are used under a Creative Commons license. You can find more of his music at https://tinwhistler.com

Wild Old Times is recorded at Farset Labs in Belfast. Learn more about Northern Ireland’s favourite hackerspace at https://farsetlabs.org.uk

Although Ireland gained its independence in 1922, it remained a part of the British Empire for another 14 years. During that time three men served as governor general - the representative of the British crown in its dominion. The last of them was the least likely man imaginable - an Easter Rising veteran named Domhnall Ua Buachalla.

Wild Old Times is a podcast about the strange and obscure corners of Irish history, written and presented by Ciaran Conliffe.

Our logo is by Liffy Designs.

The opening theme is The Cat That Ate The Candle. The closing theme is The Parting Glass. Both were recorded by Gregory Mahan and are used under a Creative Commons license. You can find more of his music at https://tinwhistler.com

Wild Old Times is recorded at Farset Labs in Belfast. Learn more about Northern Ireland’s favourite hackerspace at https://farsetlabs.org.uk

For the season that's in it, we take a look at the history of Christmas in Ireland. Follow us down the centuries, from the ancient midwinter magic of Newgrange, through to English kings in Dublin, a young future priest in Wexford, and a homesick nurse in Donegal. We'll also take a look at some uniquely Irish Christmas traditions, including one very dear to my own heart.

Wild Old Times is a podcast about the strange and obscure corners of Irish history, written and presented by Ciaran Conliffe.

Our logo is by Liffy Designs.

The opening theme is The Cat That Ate The Candle. The closing theme is The Parting Glass. Both were recorded by Gregory Mahan and are used under a Creative Commons license. You can find more of his music at https://tinwhistler.com

Wild Old Times is recorded at Farset Labs in Belfast. Learn more about Northern Ireland’s favourite hackerspace at https://farsetlabs.org.uk