Click here to play the Daily Eight crossword.
The new Irish Times Daily Eight crossword does exactly what it says in the title: it’s an eight-clue crossword, published daily. The Daily Eight is compiled by Niamh O’Connor and runs seven days a week, in addition to our Crosaire and Simplex puzzle. We set out to create an accessible, quick puzzle that a person can do while waiting for a bus to arrive, a pint to settle or a microwave to ping. For the past few months, we have tried different names, sizes and levels of complexity – before arriving at what you see here today.
The Daily Eight follows in a long tradition. We published the first “Irish Times Crossword by Crosaire” on March 13th, 1943. Derek Crozier, the original Crosaire setter (or “cruciverbalist”), compiled his cryptic crossword from 1943 until his death in 2010. The easier Simplex followed in 1951. It is compiled today by Mary O’Brien.
We hope you’ll enjoy the new challenge. If it’s too easy, challenge yourself to get it done in a set time. Then try Simplex. Then Crosaire. You can find The Daily Eight on our Crosswords and Puzzles page.
