Four legged faithful friends - the real stars of the traitors

Wayne McMahon’s pack of towering Irish Wolfhounds are becoming stars in their own right after featuring in the hit TV series The Traitors, and even catching the attention of music royalty.

The Kells man, who runs historical walking tours with his hounds in Dublin, said the gentle giants loved their time on set, appearing in drone shots, studio sequences, and key opening scenes. The opportunity came about after Wayne was at the St Patrick's Day Parade in Dún Laoghaire, where he was approached by a woman who turned out to be a producer on The Traitors and asked if he would be interested in allowing the pack to be part of the show. “I’m delighted they showcased the wolfhounds, it’s such a unique part of Irish heritage and something that really sets us apart internationally,” said Wayne.

The dogs, who can stand over 6ft tall on their hind legs, have become a striking presence not only on screen but on Dublin’s streets, where Wayne regularly draws crowds while leading historical tours. “They’re not trick dogs, they’re hunting dogs, but people are just amazed by them. For me, it’s always been about sharing the magic and history of the wolfhound with the public,” he added.

Their star turn on The Traitors that was filmed in Slane Castle isn’t the only brush with fame. Just last month, music legend Richard Ashcroft stopped Wayne mid-tour in St Stephen’s Green and asked if he could tag along. The Verve frontman, in Dublin for the Oasis gigs, blended in with the American tourists Wayne was guiding, none of whom recognised the Britpop icon. “He plugged himself in right in front of me as I was giving my spiel on the Georgian houses. He loved the dogs, he couldn’t get enough of them,” Wayne laughed.

Ashcroft was so taken with the wolfhounds that he later gave Wayne a shout out on Chris Evans’s Virgin Radio show. After posting a photo of himself with the hounds on Instagram, many of his followers assumed the dogs were his. He was quick to set the record straight, making sure to credit Wayne and The Wolfhound Experience as their true home.

The TV exposure is just the latest in a series of high-profile appearances for the wolfhounds, who have also featured in fashion shoots, Netflix projects, and even photo sessions with Fontaines D.C.’s Carlos O’Connell. “It’s mad, one day it’s the St Patrick’s Day parade, the next it’s a Netflix set,” Wayne said. “But my dream is still the walking tours. The TV and film work is brilliant, but bringing people up close with the wolfhounds and sharing their story is what I love most.”

Wayne’s passion for the breed goes back to childhood. Fascinated by Irish mythology, he was in awe of the wolfhound’s legendary status. “Five years ago I finally got my first one, and it was like being a child again. You don’t see them very often, they’re so elusive. Now when I walk them, they all fall in line behind me. People can’t believe what they’re seeing.”

The McMahon pack, with names like Tara, Bran, Connell, Cu, Brendan, and Kevin, pay homage to Irish saints, heroes, and landmarks. They have even gained a global fanbase through Instagram, where Wayne shares their adventures under The Wolfhound Experience.

It is a labour of love, with Wayne estimating it costs €15,000 to €20,000 a year to care for the hounds. But for the Kells man, the joy outweighs the expense. “I’ll never be rich, but I’ll always be happy,” he said.

And with TV shows, rock stars, and tourists all falling under the wolfhounds’ spell, it seems Wayne’s dream of showcasing Ireland’s most majestic native breed is well and truly on track.