For centuries, the Irish Wake has been more than just a funeral rite - it's been a unique expression of how Irish people cope with, commemorate, and celebrate death. This fascinating aspect of Irish cultural heritage is now being preserved and showcased at Waterford's museum quarter, the only one of its kind in Ireland.

This episode of Talking History looks at the history of Irish wakes and explores Irish beliefs and practices about death over the centuries. Step into the fascinating world of Irish cultural history and explore one of our most profound traditions - the Irish Wake. On a recent episode of "Talking History" with Patrick Geoghegan, this rich cultural practice took centre stage, inspired by the opening of Ireland's first dedicated Irish Wake Museum at Waterford Treasures.

For Dave Allen, Ireland is the only place in the world that really accepts death. He describes the ritual of the wake as a marvellous celebration. The wake is a joyful occasion. Dave Allen tells the story of a man arriving in a small town in Ireland following the death of a local woman who was hated by everyone in the town. This episode of ‘The Late Late Show’ was broadcast on 6 October 1979. The presenter is Gay Byrne.