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Updated on October 2, 2023 / By Lisa Reitelbach

Irish Travelers’ Dressing Style: Debunking the Provocative Myth

The Irish Travelers, a distinct and often misunderstood community in Ireland, have long been the subject of myths and stereotypes. Among these misconceptions is the belief that Travelers dress provocatively, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and stigmatizing an already marginalized group.

In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating world of Irish Travelers’ fashion and aim to debunk the provocative dressing myth. We’ll explore the history, cultural significance, and evolution of Traveler clothing, shedding light on the real story behind their attire.

By challenging these misconceptions, we hope to promote understanding and respect for this unique community’s rich cultural heritage, rather than reinforcing negative stereotypes.

Irish Travelers’ Dressing Style

Irish Travelers, also known as Pavees or Minceirí, have a distinctive and traditional dressing style that reflects their cultural identity and nomadic way of life. 

Here are some features of Irish Travelers’ dressing style:

Bright Colors and Patterns

Irish Travelers often favor vibrant and colorful clothing. Bright hues, intricate patterns, and floral designs are commonly seen in their dresses and skirts, contributing to a lively and eye-catching appearance.

Modesty and Elegance

Traditional dresses for women are often long and modest, reflecting a sense of cultural conservatism. Despite the vibrant colors, there is a certain elegance and grace in their dress style.

Scarves and Shawls

Women frequently wear scarves or shawls, which are not only practical for different weather conditions but also serve as additional adornments. These accessories often complement the overall look of the outfit.

Tailored Suits for Men

Men in the Irish Traveler community often wear well-tailored suits, especially during special occasions and events. Suits are a symbol of formality, respect, and cultural pride.

Head Coverings

Women may wear headscarves or bonnets as part of their traditional attire. The style of head covering can vary, and it is often a cultural marker that signifies identity within the Traveler community.

Jewelry and Adornments

Both men and women may wear jewelry and accessories. Women may adorn themselves with earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, while men might wear rings or other accessories.

Traditional Wedding Attire

Wedding attire is especially elaborate and rich in symbolism. The bride’s dress is often ornate, and weddings are significant cultural events within the community.

Practicality and Durability

Given the nomadic lifestyle of Irish Travelers, clothing is chosen for practicality and durability. Fabrics and designs need to withstand the rigors of daily life, including frequent travel and exposure to various weather conditions.

It’s important to note that while there are certain commonalities in dressing style among Irish Travelers, individual choices and preferences can vary. 

Additionally, the Traveler community, like any cultural group, experiences changes over time, and contemporary fashion may also influence the Irish traveler style.

Dress Culture of Irish Travellers

The dress culture of Irish Travelers, also known as Pavees or Minceirí, reflects a unique blend of tradition, practicality, and cultural identity. 

While individual styles can vary, certain elements are characteristic of the dress culture within this community:

Vibrant Colors and Patterns

Traditional Irish Traveler clothing often features bright and vibrant colors. Dresses and skirts for women may showcase bold patterns and floral designs, contributing to a distinctive and lively appearance.

Modesty in Women’s Attire

Women’s dresses are typically long and modest, reflecting a cultural emphasis on modesty and conservatism. The style often includes long sleeves and high necklines.

Formal and Informal Wear

While everyday wear tends to be practical and comfortable, Irish travellers clothes have distinct styles for formal occasions. 

Formal dresses for women and well-tailored suits for men are worn during events such as weddings or religious ceremonies.

Women may wear headscarves or bonnets, often matching the colors and patterns of their dresses. Head coverings are a cultural marker and contribute to the overall traditional appearance.

Men in the Traveler community often wear well-tailored suits for formal events. The suits are considered a symbol of respect and cultural pride.

Practical and Durable Fabrics

Due to the nomadic lifestyle of Irish Travelers, clothing is chosen for its practicality and durability. Fabrics are selected to withstand frequent travel, different weather conditions, and the demands of daily life.

Wedding Attire

Weddings are significant cultural events within the Traveler community, and wedding attire is elaborate. The bride’s dress is often adorned with intricate details, and wedding celebrations are marked by traditional clothing.

Influence of Tradition

The dress culture of Irish Travelers is deeply rooted in tradition, and many clothing choices are influenced by cultural practices, familial expectations, and a desire to preserve a distinct identity.

Adaptation to Contemporary Fashion

While maintaining traditional elements, Irish Travelers may incorporate some aspects of contemporary fashion into their dress, especially in casual or everyday wear. 

This blending of tradition and modernity reflects the dynamic nature of cultural practices.

It’s essential to approach discussions of dress culture with sensitivity, as practices may vary among different groups of Irish Travelers, and individuals within the community may have unique preferences and interpretations of traditional attire.

Why Do Irish Travellers Dress Provocatively?

Irish Travellers are a distinct ethnic group in Ireland, with their own unique culture and traditions. Their dressing style, like any other cultural group, can vary widely depending on personal preferences, age, regional influences, and evolving fashion trends. 

As with any community, some individuals may choose to dress in a more attention-grabbing manner, while others may prefer conservative or traditional clothing.

It’s crucial to recognize that Irish Travellers, like any community, should not be reduced to a stereotype based on their dressing style or any other aspect of their culture. Dressing preferences are an individual choice, and there is no inherent reason for them to dress “provocatively” as a group.

However, it’s essential to recognize that perceptions of clothing can be subjective and influenced by cultural, social, and individual factors. Some points to consider are:

Individual Choice and Expression

Like any community, Irish Travelers consist of individuals with diverse tastes and styles. Some may choose clothing that is perceived as more provocative based on personal preferences and trends.

Generational and Cultural Shifts

Younger generations may adopt styles influenced by contemporary fashion trends, which may include clothing choices that are perceived as more provocative compared to traditional or older styles within the community.

Media Influence

Exposure to mainstream media and fashion trends can impact the choices of individuals, including those within the Irish Traveler community. 

Access to a globalized fashion culture may lead to variations in clothing styles.

Cultural Misinterpretations

Sometimes, there can be misinterpretations or stereotypes about the clothing choices of specific communities. 

It’s important to avoid generalizations and recognize the diversity of styles and preferences within any cultural or ethnic group.

It’s crucial to approach discussions about dress with sensitivity and an understanding of the complexity and individuality of choices within any community. 

Blanket assumptions about provocative dressing may perpetuate stereotypes and misunderstandings.

What “Provocative” Means in the Context of Irish Traveller Fashion ?

Using the term “provocative” to describe Irish traveller’s fashion is problematic as it can carry negative connotations and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. What may be considered provocative varies significantly from one culture to another and is subjective based on societal norms and personal beliefs.

It’s important to avoid labeling the dressing style of any cultural group as provocative or inappropriate without understanding the cultural context and the meaning attached to their clothing choices. Irish Travellers, like any other, have their own set of values, and traditions, for choosing their attire.

To summarize, it’s crucial to approach discussions about Irish traveller’s fashion choices of any cultural group with sensitivity, respect, and an understanding that individuals within that group may have diverse preferences and reasons for their clothing choices.

The Symbolism Behind the Attire of Irish Travellers

The attire of Irish Travellers holds significant symbolism, reflecting their cultural identity, traditions, and values. It is essential to understand that the symbolism may vary among different families or communities within the Traveller population. 

Below are some general aspects of the symbolism behind the attire of Irish Travellers:

Cultural Identity 

The clothing worn by Irish Travellers often serves as a marker of their distinct cultural identity. It helps them maintain a sense of belonging and pride within their community, distinguishing them from other groups.

Tradition and Heritage

Many Irish Traveller families have a rich history and maintain strong ties to their ancestral traditions. Traditional clothing is a way to honor their heritage and preserve customs that have been passed down through generations.

Celebration of Occasions

Special occasions like weddings, religious ceremonies, or community gatherings call for traditional dress. These events are essential in Traveller culture, and the attire worn during such occasions holds particular significance.

Status and Social Standing

Within the Irish Traveller community, certain clothing styles or accessories may indicate a person’s social standing or role within the group. For instance, elder members or leaders might have distinct clothing that sets them apart.

Incorporating Luck and Superstitions

Some Irish Travellers believe in superstitions related to colors or patterns on clothing, associating them with good luck or protection from harm. This belief often influences their choice of attire.

Respect for Modesty

Modesty is an essential value in many cultures, and the Traveller community is no exception. Traditional attire may be designed to adhere to modesty norms while allowing for cultural expression.

Symbolic Embroidery and Patterns

Embroidery and patterns on clothing can carry symbolic meanings, such as family symbols, protection symbols, or representations of nature and spirituality.

Practicality and Adaptation to Lifestyle

The clothing of Irish Travellers is often designed to suit their nomadic lifestyle and practical needs. Durable fabrics, comfortable styles, and items suitable for various weather conditions are commonly chosen.

Factors Influencing Dressing Choices of Irish Travelers

The dressing choices of Irish Travelers, like any cultural group, are influenced by a complex interplay of factors that shape their identity, lifestyle, and values. These influences help shed light on the significance of their attire within their community.

Cultural Heritage

Irish Travelers have a strong sense of cultural heritage, and their dressing choices often reflect traditional customs passed down through generations. Clothing serves as a visual marker of their distinct identity, connecting them to their ancestors and reinforcing a shared sense of belonging.

Social Identity and Status

Attire can indicate social standing and roles within the Irish Traveler community. Specific clothing styles or accessories might distinguish elders or leaders, symbolizing their respected positions.

Family and Community Expectations

Family and community play a vital role in shaping dressing choices. Expectations of dressing modestly and adhering to cultural norms are reinforced within the close-knit Traveller society.

Rites of Passage and Celebrations

Special occasions like weddings, religious ceremonies, and community gatherings call for traditional dress, emphasizing the importance of cultural celebrations and reinforcing their customs.

Geographical Influences

The dressing style of Irish Travelers can be influenced by regional differences and interactions with other cultural groups. As they travel and interact with settled communities, elements of outside fashion might be incorporated into their attire.

Practicality and Adaptation

The nomadic lifestyle of Irish Travelers influences their clothing choices. Practicality and durability are essential factors when selecting attire that can withstand the demands of their mobile way of life.

Spirituality and Superstitions

Symbolism and superstitions are woven into the fabric of Irish Traveller culture. Certain colors, patterns, or accessories may be believed to bring luck or protect against harm.

Preservation of Tradition

Amidst globalization and modern influences, some Irish Travelers may choose to hold firmly to their traditional dressing styles as a means of preserving their distinct identity and heritage.

Economic Factors

Economic circumstances can influence the availability and affordability of clothing choices. Some may favor traditional clothing because it is more accessible or reflects their resourcefulness in creating their attire.

External Perceptions and Stereotypes

Negative external perceptions and stereotypes about Irish Travelers may impact their dressing choices. In response, some individuals might embrace traditional attire as a way of asserting their cultural pride and challenging stereotypes.

Do Irish Travelers dress provocatively as a cultural norm?

Contrary to the stereotype, Irish Travelers’ dressing choices are not inherently provocative. Like any cultural group, their attire varies based on individual preferences, regional influences, and personal beliefs. Generalizing their clothing as provocative oversimplifies their diverse cultural expressions.

What are the factors influencing Irish Travelers’ dressing choices?

Several factors shape the dressing choices of Irish Travelers, including cultural heritage, social identity, family expectations, and practicality. Their clothing often reflects tradition, and elements of symbolism, superstitions, and spirituality might influence their attire.

Is there a distinction between everyday clothing and special occasion wear?

Yes, Irish Travelers, like many communities, have distinct clothing for everyday wear and special occasions. Traditional dress is often worn during significant events like weddings, religious ceremonies, and cultural celebrations, reinforcing a sense of identity and continuity.

How do external perceptions impact their dressing choices?

Negative stereotypes and external perceptions can influence how some Irish Travelers choose to dress. While some may embrace traditional attire proudly, others might feel compelled to challenge stereotypes or adapt their clothing choices due to external pressures.

How can we promote cultural understanding and respect for Irish Travelers’ dressing choices?

Promoting cultural understanding requires debunking stereotypes and acknowledging the diversity within the Irish Traveler community. Respect and appreciation for their heritage, traditions, and choices foster an inclusive and compassionate approach toward addressing misconceptions.

Dispelling the myth that Irish Travelers dress provocatively is vital for promoting cultural appreciation and understanding. Their dressing style is deeply rooted in their history, traditions, and personal choices, reflecting their cultural identity and values. 

By embracing the complexities of their clothing choices, we can foster a more inclusive society that celebrates diversity and recognizes the beauty in preserving and adapting cultural practices over time. 

It’s time to appreciate the beauty and complexity of Traveler fashion and to foster empathy and respect for this remarkable community. By debunking the myth of provocative dressing, we take a step towards a more inclusive and informed society.

About Lisa Reitelbach

My name is Lisa. I am a sewing specialist and have been in the sewing industry for over 20 years. I have a degree in fashion design and my work experience includes working with different clothing brands, designing clothes, and teaching people how to sew. LinkedIn

I enjoy making clothes for myself as well as for my friends, family members, and clients. I am always happy to share my knowledge about sewing with anyone who is interested in learning more about it.

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• Current: Traveller culture, crafts and traditions

Traveller culture, crafts and traditions

Explore a selection of material related to the culture, traditions and crafts of the traveller community in ireland..

Museum staff, working in partnership with Traveller community representatives and others, have worked on special projects and initiatives to make Traveller community history and heritage better known. It is a critical value of the National Museum of Ireland that its collections are reflective of all of the people of Ireland and our shared experiences. It is also crucial to our values as an organisation that the Traveller community, a community that is marginalised, is consulted and engaged in the development of Museum exhibitions and programmes exploring their culture. The Museum continues to seek additional objects for this collection. Irish Travellers, or  Mincéirí , have a shared history, culture and language. They are a distinct ethnic minority group, as well as being a part of Irish society for centuries. The distinct ethnicity of Travellers was officially recognised in Ireland on 1 March 2017.

Exhibition: Crown beoir

The mincéirí archives, online gallery: traveller culture, discover the craft of the tinsmith, film: tinsmith at work, 1965, step-by-step: making a lidded tin can, exhibition: travellers' journey/minceir misl’d, film: this giant tent, film: 'tinsmith' by merchants gate films, learn about: tin lanterns, learn about: beady pockets.

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'Distinct identity': Irish Travellers celebrate day they were recognized as ethnic minority

This day six years ago, the Irish Traveller community was recognized by the Irish State as an ethnic group

• 16:45, 1 MAR 2023
• Updated 16:49, 1 MAR 2023

In Ireland, today marks Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day: a celebration of the moment Irish Travellers were officially recognized as an ethnic group in the Irish state.

On March 1, 2017, Taoiseach Enda Kenny made a statement in the Dáil formally recognizing the ethnic status of the Traveller community in Ireland. After a campaign spanning multiple decades, the date meant that the contributions made and challenges faced by the Traveller community would now be recognized at state level.

"The Traveller community has for many years campaigned to have their unique heritage, culture and identity formally recognized by the Irish state," the Taoiseach said at the time. "And in this state, they make their contribution as gardaí, doctors, members of the Defence Forces, prison officers."

Read more: Old footage shows New York's historic Gaelic Park in the 1960s

The Taoiseach continued: "So there should be no surprise that a person can identify as Irish and as Traveller. This is a deep and personal issue for many Travellers."

The Irish Traveller community has long faced discrimination in Ireland , with the group largely excluded from settled society over generations. The life expectancy of Irish Travellers is lower than their settled peers, and the community's suicide rate is six times the national average.

Being recognized as an ethnic minority means Irish Travellers (who are separate from but often confused with the Romani people due to similarities in their historically nomadic cultures) are now included in Ireland's anti-racism and integration policies. It also recognizes the unique culture and history of the Traveller community, who have, according to scientists, been genetically distinct from settled Irish people for at least 1,000 years.

The day doesn't just celebrate Irish Travellers based in Ireland, but their international diaspora. The community spans the UK, where they are also recognized as an ethnic minority, as well as Canada and the US .

It's difficult to guess how large the diaspora of the Irish Traveller community is in the US, as the US Census does not recognize them as an ethnic group. Estimations range their US population to be anywhere between 10,000 and 40,000.

The vast majority of this population is thought to have arrived in the US between 1845 and 1860 as a result of the Great Famine. Here, Irish Traveller communities mostly reside in Ohio, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and South Carolina. The largest is around 2,500 people, who live in Murphy Village, SC.

Like Irish Travellers in Ireland, Irish Travellers in the US have a unique cultural identity. This includes practicing devout Catholicism, a strong emphasis on family and community, and some usage of Cant, a language of mixed Irish and English origin spoken by Travellers.

"Our Traveller community is an integral part of our society for over a millennium, with their own distinct identity – a people within our people," the Taoiseach said this day six years ago. "...It is a historic day for our Travellers and a proud day for Ireland."

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“So what’s in the news?” a female friend asked me yesterday, knowing that I had one day of work left before my wife and I take our long awaited summer holiday. “Well”, I replied, “ it turns out you might be a racist ”.

I had never considered before that the lady in question – amongst the most caring and compassionate person I know, might be hiding a dark secret. But I happen to know that on one or two occasions in her life, like a lot of Irish women, she’s employed the use of fake tan. And if you missed yesterday’s life-changing revelation in the Irish Times, here it is:

“When a white Irish woman dons fake tan for a night out, she is wearing a costume that allows her to experience a fleeting taste of a more exotic identity, with none of the obstacles people of colour face. We can’t talk about fake tan without acknowledging the historical context of skin colour and the value that has been placed on it. For centuries, Eurocentric beauty standards have favoured lighter skin tones, often at the expense of people with darker complexions. Racism and colourism – prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone – have resulted in marginalisation, discrimination and inequality for people of colour. By artificially darkening skin, fake tanning culture inadvertently perpetuates the fetishisation of high melanin content, without acknowledging the struggles faced by those who naturally possess it. ”

The line I’ve highlighted in bold there is the one that jumped out at me most from the piece, because of what it implies: “perpetuating the fetishization of high melanin content” would, apparently, be acceptable if the artificially bronzed goddess perpetuating said fetishization acknowledged the struggles of those who are naturally darker skinned. Unfortunately, the Irish Times did not think to provide Irish women with an appropriate mechanism of acknowledgement: Should they wear a sign around their necks reading “I hereby acknowledge the struggles faced by those whose skin is naturally darker”? Would an Instagram post suffice? Or is a private reflection, or maybe an act of private penance, sufficient to achieve the necessary social permissions for donning some of St. Tropez’ finest?

It’s tempting here to attempt some kind of intellectual dismantling of the case advanced in the pages of the Irish Times: That fake tan amounts to cultural appropriation and racist mockery; that observing people wearing it can be “painful” to those with darker skin; that fake tan “devalues the authentic experiences of women of colour”. But to engage with this nonsense risks, on some level, legitimising it.

The real question which should be asked is how it has come to pass that people with authentically demented beliefs about the world, and how people should behave, persistently get such large platforms to advance their views, while those with more – I’m just going to use the word – normal outlooks on life find it hard to get a word in edgeways.

In part, I think, the answer is clicks: God love them, but media outlets do not survive on “normal”. They survive by elevating the weird and the nonsensical in order to secure our attention. The Americans used to have an old saying in newsrooms along the lines of “if it bleeds, it leads”. In the modern Irish media that might be revised to “if it’s crackers, it’s clicks”.

But there are lots of things which are objectively mental that don’t get columns in the Irish Times. This country is not short of people who believe in all sorts of conspiracy theories about one world Governments and lizard people – the thing is, they never get columns in the Irish Times. There’s a difference in other words between high status lunacy and low status lunacy. “Fake tan is racist” is the kind of thing a respectable academic lunatic can believe, and therefore it can be published. “King Charles III is secretly a lizard”, while no less insane, isn’t the kind of thing you can utter respectably in the UCD woman’s studies faculty.

And so we have this reinforcing system where high status lunacy is promoted from the top down, and where adopting the views of a lunatic actually reinforces you as having a high social status.

It should also be noted that this particular bit of lunacy is in the same family as other, far more entrenched, species of lunacy: “Fake tan is racist” is not a million miles on the spectrum from “all men are potential racists”, a belief that has been almost entirely adopted by the great and the good in Ireland, and is deployed when the need arises. Almost all of it has a single source, too – social studies departments in Irish Universities, who have turned teaching high status lunacy into a business model.

The other point of it is to keep people in a constant state of insecurity, always wondering what the latest “offensive” thing might be: One week, it’s braiding your hair (racism). Another day, it’s the wearing an outfit inspired by some other culture (appropriation). Another day, it is using the wrong pronouns. The net effect of it is a reign of terror which not coincidentally empowers to the greatest extent the overwhelmingly white membership of academia: It is they who get to pronounce whether or not you are a racist or a bigot or a transphobe on a given day. It is they who decide whether you need to apologise.

Anyway, you don’t need to apologise, ladies. Tan away, and leave those who have a problem with it to, as they say, cope and seethe.

See you all in two weeks.

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I’m an Irish traveller, I’m not allowed to go on holiday until I’m married & I won’t work – but I did go to school

• Rebecca Flood
• Published : 10:30 ET, Jan 26 2021
• Updated : 8:35 ET, Mar 8 2021
• Published : Invalid Date,

AN Irish traveller has given people an insight into her life, as she revealed she’s not allowed to go on holiday until she’s married and won’t work. 

Caitlin , 18, who lives in a caravan near Hertfordshire, regularly shares her lifestyle on TikTok, showing off her fashion, day-to-day life and home online. 

Caitlin, who often shares clips with her sister, Lizzy , 20, said: “We never realised how interested non-travellers are in the travelling community. 

“If you have any questions about us travellers, we’ll give you as much detail as we can give you."

While Lizzy added: “We’ll do it from our experience and what we know, because everyone’s different and how they grew up, how they were raised.”

She revealed that most women in her community don’t go out to work, and it’s down to the men to be breadwinners for the family. 

Caitlin said: “I feel like one out of 100 traveller women actually have a job and go to work, because they mostly leave it down to the husbands. 

“We don’t really go to work. I know people that have been to work."

But she confirmed she is studying, and is currently in college, although she acknowledged that’s often not the case in her community. 

Caitlin, who confirmed both she and her sister have part-time jobs, said: “I finished primary school, secondary school, I’m in college right now, I completed all my GCSES.

“Some will go to school, some won’t, but it’s more common for them to not go to school. 

“I think it just depends on the family whether they want to send them to school. Most likely no because that’s not the line of work that traveller boys or girls go down.”

As she shared her life with her fans, she gave a tour of her caravan, showing off her closet stuffed with clothes, her sleeping area, and sofas with a TV. 

Caitlin lives there with her family, as she’s not yet married.

She explained while most people do get married young, it’s not always the case. 

She said: “Everyone assumes all travellers get married at 14 or 15. Some do get married at 14 or 15, maybe not 14, maybe 15. Some get married 18, 19, 20, you can get married at 25. 

“But it’s more common to get married in your teenage years. And it all depends on when you meet them. 

“Some get married two months after they know them, or five years after they know them. You can’t put a time to a person.”

When she finally does get married, Caitlin will be allowed to go on holiday, as she’s not allowed to currently - unless it’s with her family. 

She said: “As Irish girls we’re not allowed to go on holiday until we’re married, or with our family. Obviously there’s different circumstances. 

“If we were allowed, I'd be gone every year. You’re not allowed that until you’re married, or with your family. It’s a big no.”

Caitlin’s videos have racked up thousands of likes and comments, as people praised her home and her fashion. 

One person said: “Your bathroom has more storage than mine.” 

Someone else wrote: “Ignore them haters hun you’re amazing.” 

A third added: “You should not get any hate babe! Your unreal!!! And your home is perf.”

While another added: “Haters gonna hate stay unbothered girl.”

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The Picture Show

Daily picture show, documenting the irish travellers: a nomadic culture of yore.

Lauren Rock

Throughout my life I have regularly traveled to my mother's home city of Dublin. During these trips I would regularly see groups of people living in caravans on the sides of the road, and I always wondered who they were and what their lives were like.

I later found out they belonged to a small ethnic minority called "Travellers" — nomads who spend most of their life, literally on the road. While their history has been hard to document — they have no written records — they are thought to have separated from the settled Irish community at least 1,000 years ago.

The Travellers (until recently also called "tinkers" or "gypsies") often live in ad hoc encampments, in direct contrast to "settled" people in Ireland. They are thought to be descended from a group of nomadic craftsman, with the name "tinker" a reference to the sound of a hammer hitting an anvil. (The reference is now considered derogatory.)

In 1965 Dublin-born photographer Alen MacWeeney stumbled across a Travellers' encampment and became fascinated with their way of life. He spent the next six years making photographs and recording their stories and music. Despite shooting the photos in the late '60s, it wasn't until 2007 that he found a publisher for his work.

Bernie Ward, Cherry Orchard Courtesy of Alen MacWeeney hide caption

Bernie Ward, Cherry Orchard

In his book, Irish Travellers: Tinkers No More — which also comes with a CD of Traveller music recordings — MacWeeny shows us a gritty, intimate portrait of the people he eventually came to call friends. He compares the Travellers to the migrant farmers of the American Depression: "poor, white, and dispossessed."

"Theirs was a bigger way of life than mine, with its daily struggle for survival, compared to my struggle to find images symbolic and representative of that life," he said in his book.

MacWeeney got his start at age 20 as an assistant for Richard Avedon in Paris and has since made a career as a portrait and fashion photographer. But his images of the Travellers reveal a raw and intimate side to his work.

"Traveller families have always been very close-knit, held together in a tight unspoken knot, with lifelong bonds and sometimes varying a lifelong set of troubles," he said.

Today, however, the Traveller lifestyle has changed dramatically from even a few decades ago. Many have embraced modern culture and become "settled," no longer living apart from the mainstream. There is even a reality TV show, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding , which showcases Traveller girls and their theatrical, over-the-top weddings.

But MacWeeney believes that the Travellers are "reluctant as settled and envy the other life of travelling." His book stands as a document of an era, and a way of life that is slowly fading into the past.

Traveller health: prevalence of diabetes, pre diabetes and the metabolic syndrome

Affiliation.

• 1 Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway. [email protected]
• PMID: 19722353

Irish Travellers are an ethnic minority group exposed to a myriad of social and health inequalities. Their current life expectancy equals that of the background population in the 1940s and one of the main causes of death is cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is a paucity of information on CVD risk factor assessment in the research literature in this population. This study assesses the prevalence of Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in a sample population from this community. Working with the Galway Traveller Movement, and following an overnight fast we measured fasting plasma glucose, HDL-cholesterol and Triglycerides. In addition weight, height, waist circumference (WC) and blood pressure (BP) were recorded. Of the 47 subjects, there were 4 (8.5%) participants identified as having diabetes, 5 (10.6%) pre-diabetes and 25 (53.2%) with the metabolic syndrome. The point prevalence of diabetes was calculated as 8.5%, pre-diabetes 10.6% and the metabolic syndrome 53.2%. In addition abdominal obesity was present in 70% and hypertension in 43%. Targeted screening for glucose abnormalities and traditional CVD risk factors is needed. Based on current literature, appropriate interventions might reasonably be expected to lower mortality and increase life expectancy.

Publication types

• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
• Confidence Intervals
• Diabetes Mellitus / diagnosis
• Diabetes Mellitus / ethnology*
• Ethnicity / statistics & numerical data*
• Health Services Accessibility*
• Health Status Disparities*
• Ireland / epidemiology
• Mass Screening
• Metabolic Syndrome / diagnosis
• Metabolic Syndrome / ethnology*
• Middle Aged
• Pilot Projects
• Prediabetic State / diagnosis
• Prediabetic State / ethnology*
• Risk Factors
• Socioeconomic Factors
• Young Adult