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.

 

Recorded live at Castlemaine Historical Society, August 2026.

From the family archive

Original photographs, manuscripts and historical material gathered through more than 30 years of family research.

Tam, Isa and their 10 adult children

Family photograph

The Vagrant — original manuscript

One of Isa’s handwritten works featured in the show

Forest Creek, Castlemaine, 1852

The goldfields world Tam and Isa entered

“He brings lived experiences to us, with very special tales of his family heritage coming alive in songs of early settlers—delivered with such pride, beautiful poetic lyrics and lasting melodies.” 
— Carolanne Collins, Storytellers audience member, Upwey RSL

“Unique songs. Big heart. Love this artist.”
— Lloyd Spiegel, musician