Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees
Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast: Step into the weird and wonderful world of haunted Wales with this monthly podcast that explores ghost stories, Gothic tales, uncanny encounters, ancient lore, and the rich folklore of Wales. Join Welsh storyteller, writer, and historian Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) – “arguably Wales’ leading authority on the curious and paranormal aspects of the country’s history” – as he guides listeners through chilling legends, real-life hauntings, and otherworldly mysteries from Cymru and beyond. Each episode is a spine-tingling (and often tongue-in-cheek) journey through the eerie landscapes and haunted heritage of dark Wales. You’ll hear tales from the “most haunted” castles, real ghost stories from Wales, and spectral horse parades like the Mari Lwyd. Poltergeists, uncanny spirits, corpse candles, and phantom funerals are just the beginning. You’ll also discover mystical creatures like the Ceffyl Dŵr, the Gwyllgi, and other ghostly beasts said to roam the valleys and mountains. Whether you’re fascinated by uncanny spirits, Halloween traditions (Nos Calan Gaeaf), ancient Druid rituals, or modern-day paranormal investigations, this podcast offers a captivating blend of supernatural storytelling, folklore deep-dives, and historical curiosity – all delivered with a Gothic flair and a dry sense of humour. Listeners who love uncovering mysterious Welsh history, exploring haunted locations, or unraveling legends of mythical creatures will feel right at home. These gripping episodes transport you to the haunted corners of the country, where myths, ghosts, and magic continue to cast their spell. Expect interviews with ghost hunters, eerie seasonal specials like Halloween ghost stories, and plenty of spine-chilling tales that blend history, horror, and humour in every episode. Don’t miss an episode—subscribe now to unlock the paranormal secrets of haunted Wales, where nothing is ever quite what it seems… and the past is never truly dead.
Episodes

Thursday Sep 17, 2020
Thursday Sep 17, 2020
In this real-life ghost story, a terrified Welsh farmer is forced to flee from a spectral locomotive as it hurtles around the idyllic landscape. But this was no ordinary ghost train - according to the witness, it was a ghost train from the future.
Join MARK REES (author of "Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales") as he delves into the archives in search of evidence surrounding this extremely rare type of haunting, and asks if a ghostly form really can travel "back to the future".
He also takes a quick look at the at more physical ghost trains to be found in the fun fairs of haunted Wales, or rather the lack of them as the case may be.
Did the farmer really see such paranormal activity in Victorian Carmarthenshire, or was it clairvoyance or second sight at work? Press play to find out more in this episode of the GHOSTS & FOLKLORE podcast!

Thursday Sep 10, 2020
Thursday Sep 10, 2020
Did a Welsh witch really invent beer in her magical cauldron? And what macabre part did it play in the funeral traditions of old?
Join MARK REES (author of "Ghosts of Wales"/ "Paranormal Wales" etc.) as he goes in search of the often dark and Gothic myths, legends and folklore surrounding the history of beer in this episode of the GHOSTS & FOLKLORE podcast.
Considered to be the "national drink of Wales", this frothy beverage has connections with the fantastical tale of Ceridwen and Taliesin, played an important role in funeral processions, and by using the correct bits of folk knowledge hangovers could be avoided.
Oh, and did you know that women used to hold secret cheese and beer parties when the men weren't looking? Press play to find out more...
Cheers/ iechyd da!

Thursday Sep 03, 2020
Thursday Sep 03, 2020
The world is full of magical tales about fairies, but have you ever wondered where they come from?
According to Welsh folklore, the little folk originated in either north Wales or south Wales, and the answer to that question - along with many others - is revealed in this episode of the GHOSTS & FOLKLORE podcast with Mark Rees (author of "Ghosts of Wales"/ "Paranormal Wales" etc.).
In the company of a pioneering Victorian writer who travelled from America to Wales and recorded many a fairy tale, join them for a whirlwind tour which looks at old beliefs in the mischievous creatures, and some real-life hiding places where they are said to have dwelt.
This episode is the perfect starting point for anyone with an interest in folklore and fairy tales, and lays the groundwork for many of the fantastical - and occasionally dark - tales to follow.
Do you believe in fairies? Listen to this podcast before making your mind up!

Thursday Aug 27, 2020
Thursday Aug 27, 2020
Can a murderer return from beyond the grave to haunt their former neighbours?
In this episode of the GHOSTS & FOLKLORE podcast, join your host MARK REES (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) as he goes in search of the facts surrounding the "Wraith of a Murderer", a ghost which was said to be haunting his old home in the late Victorian age.
In a tale which combines a real-life long-lost crime with an eerie "most haunted" supernatural story, the events unfolded in 19th century Swansea where witnesses reported seeing the phantom's face, feeling his clammy hands, and in at least one case falling sick with fear as a result.
Was this paranormal activity the work of "The Wraith of a Murderer Stalks Abroad", or was something even more mysterious taking place in the Welsh city?

Saturday Aug 22, 2020
Saturday Aug 22, 2020
Ever hear about the ghost of a headless Jesus who was seen by a man of the cloth charging along a dark Welsh road at night at the helm of a carriage pulled by spectral horses? No? What about the pesky poltergeists which were scaring a married couple in their new home nearby, and even "some holy ladies"?
In this special bonus episode of Ghosts & Folklore of Wales, join MARK REES (author of Ghosts of Wales/ The A-Z of Curious Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) as he looks back at three curious real-life ghost stories recorded in the Victorian age by a man from Flintshire.
Bemoaning the lack of contemporary spooky tales, he submitted three of his own to the local press in order to reignite a little interest in the paranormal. Not only is it a fascinating glimpse into the supernatural beliefs of the people at the time, but it has parallels with our modern-day approach to spooks and spectres.
With many people nowadays looking to re-enchant a word which has seemingly lost that spark of magic, could we all learn something from the man who shared ghost stories with his community?
This episode was recorded especially for the Haunted Happening #hauntedhappening event on Twitter and Facebook, and is in addition to the normal weekly episode - two episodes in one week, which means double the ghostly and folkloric fun - cheers / iechyd da!
BUY MARK REES A COFFEE:
If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch!
https://ko-fi.com/markrees
WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES?
The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends.
Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes.
From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way.
Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd.
Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way!
Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode.
For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit https://markreesonline.com/:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.)
Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast
Until next time, nos da!

Thursday Aug 20, 2020
Thursday Aug 20, 2020
Storytellers have the magical ability to whisk us away to distant times and places, and that's exactly what special guest Owen Staton does in this episode of the GHOSTS & FOLKLORE podcast.
In conversation with MARK REES (author Ghosts of Wales/ Curious Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.), they talk about ghost stories and eerie Welsh folk tales from the past and present. Some of these stories have been dusted off and handed down through the centuries, while others are far more recent and, in some cases, real.
From supernatural happenings in the home to the tragic love story of Rhys and Meinir in Nant Gwrtheyrn, pull up a chair by the fireplace and join the pair as they discuss paranormal activity, modern-day ghost hunting, uncanny encounters and the continued fascination with telling tales and in haunted Wales.
BUY MARK REES A COFFEE:
If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch!
https://ko-fi.com/markrees
WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES?
The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends.
Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes.
From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way.
Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd.
Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way!
Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode.
For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit https://markreesonline.com/:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.)
Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast
Until next time, nos da!

Thursday Aug 13, 2020
Thursday Aug 13, 2020
What can the cast and crew of TV show "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" expect to find when they film inside a haunted Welsh castle?
Strange supernatural sights have been reported by a diverse cast of witnesses, from a title-winning boxer to the castle's duty manager, and include an undead butler and even a phantom horse.
Join MARK REES (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) as he investigates paranormal activity at Gwrych Castle, a wonderful - if occasionally creepy - castle where a woman in white watches from the windows, a woman in red walks the grounds, and many more creepy sightings have been reported.
BUY MARK REES A COFFEE:
If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch!
https://ko-fi.com/markrees
WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES?
The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends.
Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes.
From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way.
Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd.
Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way!
Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode.
For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit https://markreesonline.com/:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.)
Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast
Until next time, nos da!

Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Did you know that fairies used to ride corgis into battle? And that the name corgi is derived from Welsh folklore?
Join MARK REES (Ghosts of Wales) for an uplifting journey in search of positive dog lore from across 'haunted Wales', with tales of the fairy folk rewarding those who show kindness to their pets, a wizard's friendly familiar which helped lonely travellers at night, and ghostly four-legged omens which can predict if a dying person is heading to the good place or the bad.
BUY MARK REES A COFFEE:
If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch!
https://ko-fi.com/markrees
WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES?
The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends.
Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes.
From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way.
Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd.
Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way!
Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode.
For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit https://markreesonline.com/:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.)
Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast
Until next time, nos da!

Thursday Jul 30, 2020
Thursday Jul 30, 2020
Does the ghost of Dylan Thomas visit his old haunts? Has he gone gently in that good night, or does his spirit rage, rage, against the dying of the light?
Join MARK REES (Ghosts of Wales) as he investigates reports that the great Welsh poet is still active today, and that during his lifetime he was a believer in an afterlife and claimed to have seen a ghost himself. This is an epic journey which starts in Laugharne, takes in Swansea and Carmarthen, the English capital London, and even New York.
BUY MARK REES A COFFEE:
If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch!
https://ko-fi.com/markrees
WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES?
The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends.
Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes.
From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way.
Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd.
Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way!
Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode.
For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit https://markreesonline.com/:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.)
Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast
Until next time, nos da!

Thursday Jul 23, 2020
Thursday Jul 23, 2020
Have you heard about the "dog of darkness" which stalks the haunted lanes at night?
This "hound of hell" has patrolled the Welsh roads of centuries, and bears many similarities with other four-legged paranormal creatures seen across Britain and Ireland. But what exactly is the Gwyllgi, how dangerous is it, and what does it have to do with Dylan Thomas?
Join MARK REES (Ghosts of Wales/ Curious Wales) as he reveals its secret supernatural origin, from long-lost folklore to terrifying recent accounts.
BUY MARK REES A COFFEE:
If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch!
https://ko-fi.com/markrees
WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES?
The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends.
Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes.
From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way.
Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd.
Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way!
Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode.
For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit https://markreesonline.com/:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.)
Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast
Until next time, nos da!

What is the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion and the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd.
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit: