Tim Ireland — storyteller & musician

Ghost of Castlemaine

Ghost of Castlemaine is a live storytelling show about family, belonging and the connections that reach across generations. Drawing on more than 30 years of family research, Tim Ireland shares the story of his ancestors, Tam Rattray and Isa Ireland, and their journey from Scotland to Victoria’s goldfields.

Through storytelling, poetry readings and songs performed live on guitar, Tim brings his ancestors’ humour, hardships and hopes into the present. At its heart is the deeply personal experience of discovering the people behind the family names—and how their stories become part of our own.

 

Who it suits

Ghost of Castlemaine is a natural fit for:

  • Probus clubs and community groups
  • Historical societies and family-history groups
  • Libraries and heritage programs
  • Folk clubs and intimate listening venues

Designed for seated audiences, the presentation includes time for questions and conversation afterwards.

You don’t need to be a history buff—or have a connection to Castlemaine—to find something familiar in this entertaining story of family, belonging and the people who came before us.

Audience response

“The audience loved this fascinating and evocative story of family, hardship, resilience and success, with plenty of questions and conversation afterwards.”

Castlemaine Historical Society Inc.
Facebook post, 8 August 2026

“…thoroughly enchanted his audience with his heart-warming and fascinating story…”

Castlemaine Historical Society Inc.
“George and Isa talk”, 4 November 2019

Enquire about a presentation