Register to vote

2024 is a big year for elections, and with the Local and European Elections taking place on 7th June 2024, Pavee Point is running a campaign to encourage all #Travellers and #Roma to vote.

We have teamed up with political leaders to spread the message of encouragement – watch the video below for information on how to register to vote, and go online to https://www.checktheregister.ie/en-IE/ to register online.

You must have a:
– PPS Number
– An Email Address
– Eircode (don’t worry if you don’t have a fixed address, you can just put an address where you can collect post from).

And must be:
– Over 16 to register
– Over 18 to vote

The deadline to register and update your details for the 7th June 2024 Local & European Elections for standard voting is 20 May 2024.

A Traveller Vote = A Traveller Voice.

Richard Boyd Barrett TD / People Before Profit

Programme of Events – Leinster

June 18th – Balbriggan Copper Art EventThis event is a celebration of a workshops undertaken by Traveller men who created copper pieces of art. The work will be on exhibit and through the exhibition and personal stories the Travellers who took part in the workshops will share their experience with their families and the wider population who will attend the event. This will facilitate discussions around reducing stigma and shame in talking about one’s own mental health, seeking help and offering support. The project was run between Traveller organisations and Mental Health Services in the area

Balbriggan Development Group

25 May – Ballyfermot Celebration

Ballyfermot Traveller Action Group will be promoting two of the oldest residents in Labre Park, itself Dublin’s oldest halting site. The voices of older Travellers are hidden and yet they hold so much history. Some of this history is traumatic but also important. Recordings of these voices will be made so these histories can become a tool and resource for the future.

29th May – Along the Hedgerows, Carlow

St. Catherine’s Community Services has linked in with Meath Traveller Workshop to present the Traveller Living History Project with barrel top wagon, tinsmithing and other traditional crafts. Carlow Traveller Forum is also undertaking a multi-disciplinary art project to explore particular Traveller histories and stories in the area and also present some of these through poetry. Event from 10am to 1pm.

Location – St Catherine’s Community Services Centre, Carlow.

27/28th May – Wagon Repair and Display, FinglasWorkshops will be held to redecorate a restored Traveller wagon on 27th May at Avila Park, Finglas. On the 28th the wagon will be drawn by horse to Finglas Civic Centre where there will be a chance to interact with the wagonmakers and hear about Traveller traditions. Location – Finglas Civic Centre, Finglas, Dublin 11

29th May – Traveller Youth Hidden Voices, Athlone, Co Westmeath.This is a national and local event bringing young Travellers together to explore culture and identity. This event provides a safe space for 60-80 young Travellers to discuss and reflect on issues hindering their voices being heard, looking at ways of instilling self-pride and increasing self-esteem and a vision for reaching their dreams as young Travellers. Music and the arts will be used as a medium to celebrate, and as a platform to encourage, young Travellers to using their talents and skills. Irish Traveller Movement National Youth Advisory Committee are leading out on this event.

21st/23rd May- “I am Traveller” celebrating Traveller and Roma culture, Kildare

Kildare Traveller Action Group are running a number of events for Traveller Pride. On the 21st there will be a Living History Project display in Newbridge where a Traveller youth group will perform ukulele and also photographic exhibition 11am to 4pm.A similar event will be run in Athy on 23rd May 11am to 4pm. Location – 21 May Royston Sports and Social Club Greatconnell, Newbridge, County , Kildare W12XT65 23 May – old Athy Travellers centre, beside St Michael’s Church, Monasterevin Road.

6th June – Pavee Inclusive, Dundalk, Co Louth. Louth Local Development in conjunction with Meath Traveller Workshops will bring their Traveller Living history exhibition to Dundalk from 12 – 3pm. This will consist of a full-size traditional Traveller camp including the barrel top wagon, a campfire, traditional tent, tin smith and a flat cart, complete with music and storytelling.Louth Traveller women’s group will have a display of traditional button aprons and paper flowers, as well as a paper flower workshop and face painting for the children. Location -Redeemer Family Resource Centre, Árd Easmuinn, Demesne, Dundalk, Co. Louth

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21st May – Conversation with Election Candidates, Blanchardstown.At 11 am on 21st May at the Blanchardstown library, Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group is hosting a conversation between Travellers and invited candidates in local and european elections. Location – Blanchardstown Library, the Civic Centre, Blanchardstown Centre, Dublin 15.20th May – Tallaght Travellers CDPTallaght Travellers are organising a video celebration of Traveller stories for Traveller Pride Week. The videos feature men, women and young people talking about their memories, their struggles and their aspirations. Information – patricknevin@tallaghttravellerscdp.com

27th May – Unveiling Traveller Heritage, Tullamore, Co. Offaly‘Unveiling Traveller Heritage” is a community-driven initiative aimed at showcasing and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Traveller community. Through a traditional camp display, the art of flower making, the vibrant colours and designs of traditional dress, and the mouthwatering aroma of freshly prepared griddle bread, we aim to offer a glimpse into the unique traditions and customs of Traveller culture. Additionally, a captivating photo exhibition will capture the essence of Traveller life, highlighting the beauty and resilience of a community whose voices are often unheard.Location – Offaly Traveller Movement, Harbour Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly 29/30 May – Connecting the Generations, Co. Meath

This is an exhibition compiled from images, stories & memories from the different Traveller generations. A book of the exhibition will also be available to take away. This project documents stories from older generations as well as documenting and recognising the movements and developments within Traveller culture in the last number of decades.Further information Involve Youth Project Meath – youthprojectmeath@involve.ie

Programme of Events – Connaught

24th May – Ballybane, Galway.

This event highlights and reclaims the important role Travellers have played for decades in the area of recycling and upcycling. Guests will see first hand how mattresses and furniture are recycled and upcycled. Guests will get to meet and greet the team who are on hand to answer any questions and advise on best practice recycling options. Galway Traveller Movement will also officially launch our new website which puts Traveller Culture and Heritage to the forefront while highlighting the Traveller community journey in recycling. Location – Bounce Back Recycling Unit 4 Ballybrit Industrial Estate Ballybane Galway

20th May – Involve Traveller Community Day, Ballina, Co MayoOur community day will launch our move to our new premises in the former St Marys school in Ballina and will showcase the work of Involve Youth Project.We are also hosting the Traveller Living History Project in conjunction with Meath Traveller Workshop which will include a traditional wagon, photographic exhibition, fireside scene and traditional storytelling. Along side this two local singers will perform on the day. A local make-up artist who is a member of the Travelling community will offer mini make up applications on the day.For our younger attendees we will have face painting.Location – Involve Youth Project, Lower Lord Edward Street, Ballina, Co. MayoMagpies on the Pylon, Portlaoise

This play written and performed by well known Michael Collins tells the compelling story of Jim – a father trying to cope with the suicide of his son. The plays brings you on an emotional roller coaster where Jim articulates loving memories of his son, his fears for the well being of his other 3 children and his agonising about whether there was something more he could have done to save his son. Local youth groups also show their art works in relation to this topic. The event is co hosted by Laois Traveller Action Group and Dunamaise Theatre, Portlaoise. Show starts at 7pm

21 – 24 May – Week of Events, Tuam, Co. Galway

Bru Bhride Tuam is launching during Traveller Pride Week and running a series of events from 21 – 24 May. Kathleen Keenan’s cd will be launched at Bru Bhride Arts Academy on 21st from 4-7 pm. There will also be radio broadcasts. On 22nd May there will be an open mic night from 4-8pm. On the 23rd May there will be the official launch of Bru Bhride name at Harmony Hall and presentations to celebrate Traveller achievements 4pm to 8pm. There will also be traditional cookery and sports. On the 24th there will be a showcasing of the traditional barrel top wagon. 20 – 31 May – Workshops and Open Mic – Youth Work Ireland Tuam, Co Galway Youth Work Ireland Tuam will run a series of workshops to celebrate Traveller and Roma cultures. There will be a beady pocket and flower-making workshop for all. A workshop with Music Generation will also take place and this will culminate in Open Mic night in conjunction with STAR Youth Project. Location – Tuam Youth Centre 20th May – Life on the Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Mayo North East SICAP is working with Traveller children to record their grandparents’ experiences about their time on the road. These recordings will be used to make a book that will be launched during Traveller Pride Week. Location – Involve Youth Service, Ballina

Programme of Events – Munster

24th May – Ennis, Co Clare 4-7pmClare Traveller CDP will host an outdoor event this year, working in collaboration with Meath

Travellers Workshop, the event will showcase a living history experience which will recreate a reallife picture of Traveller lives in the 1950s. The scene includes a fully restored barrel top wagon, atraditional tent, campfire, a flat cart, tin-smith exhibition, storytelling and bread making. This is a family event, Clare Traveller CDP will provide refreshments for all attendees. Children’s entertainment including face-painting, magician, balloon making will be offered at the event. Other activities for children are planned using the running track/ sports facilities on site. Musical entertainment celebrating Clare Travellers traditional Irish music will be provided by the Keenan family. Location – John O’Sullivan Sports Park, Lee’s Road, Ennis,Co. Clare. V95W56028th May – Ballyhoura, LimerickEast Limerick

Traveller Pride 2024 will be a day of celebration, taking the form of inclusive activities and a vibrant showcase of Traveller culture to the wider East Limerick community. Collaborating with Meath Travellers Workshops, Traveller culture with be front and centre stage, with offerings of traditional barrel top wagon and fireside scene an art and sculpture exhibition and Traditional song and dance 11am to 3pm. The event is being jointly organised by our East Limerick

Traveller Primary Health Team and the Kilmallock Traveller Group.

31st May – Spring Lane Heritage Event, Cork CityThis 11am event will showcase and celebrate Traveller heritage and stories of the Spring Lane area. There will be food and singing by rising Traveller star singer Rosie McCarthy whose father is from the Spring Lane. There will be a display of old photos of the site and traditional Traveller camps in the area from the 1960s onwards. We will also showcase our Spring Lane Heritage Project ana our Black Ash oral history projects on our website. Part of this event is to paint two electrical boxes in a collaboration between an artist and Young Traveller Women’s Group. Organised by Cork Traveller Women’s Network. Location: Glen Resource Centre, Glen Avenue, The Glen, Cork T23 DH95

28th May – Standing Tall – Visibility Matters, Tralee. Co. Kerry At 10.30am there will be the launch of permanent Traveller space at Kerry Museum, . This space will feature a model campsite showing how Travellers lived. This model campsite will be built specifically for the exhibition. Other features will highlight the importance of Puck Fair to Travellers. This launch will also feature a workshop on CANT – the Traveller language. Location – Kerry Museum, Ashe Memorial Hall, Denny St, Tralee, Co. Kerry, V92 CXE325th May – Traveller Heritage Day, Ballybeg

Minceiri Port Lairge are organising this event at Ballybeg which will feature life in a barrel top wagon and life in a wattle tent including traditional cooking outside. Travellers will talk about their experiences of life on the road and there will be entertainment for children for this family day out.

29th May – Traveller Culture Celebration, Cashel, Co Tipperary

Tipperary Rural Traveller Project will celebrate the richness of Traveller traditions in conjunction with Meath Traveller Living History Project. This will display a traditional wagon and recreation of a fireside scene. It will be accompanied by a photograph exhibition and traditional storytelling as well as display of Traveller tinsmithing, flowermaking and brown bread making – 10am to 5pm Location – Spafield Family Resource Centre, Old Road, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, E25 CX31

29th May – Family Fun Day, Fitzgerald’s Park CorkThis year’s Family Fun Day will have a strong emphasis on young, local, up and coming Traveller musicians with Helen Connors, who is active in the local YMCA, Helena McCarthy, Kane Dunne and Paddy Quilligan.There will also be creative pursuits and activities for children including Bags of Hope paper flowermaking, pets corner and as a special – hairbraiding for Traveller girls andsharing Traveller traditions relating to haircare. There will also be 5 a side football. Location: Fitzgerald’s Park, Mardyke, Cork

31st May – LGBT+ Traveller Spoken Word Event Along alongside LGBT+ Ireland, Travellers of North Cork and Oein de Bharduin we aim to celebrate and reveal the unheard voices of LGBT+ community members and Traveller culture through spoken word performances.Location – Nano Nagle Place, South Presentation Centre Ltd. Douglas StreetCork City T12 X70A

21st July – Traveller Cultural Celebration, Clonakilty, Co Cork At this event Travellers will showcase their specific talents and skills to the wider community in West Cork such as flower making, tea leaf readings in the barrel top wagon, beady pocket making, storytelling, singing, and bread making.Stalls with the various skills and products will be situated outdoors for the general public to participate. Location – Kennedy Park, ClonakiltyCommemoration Event, Skibereen, Co CorkThis event will pay tribute to Travellers who have passed by placing ribbons on a memorial tree at Rossa Park where Travellers can write wishes/prayers. There will also e a puppet show, face painting and balloon making for the children with a picnic in the park.Location -O’Donovan Rossa Memorial Park, 1 Marsh Rd, Marsh, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, P81 RR59Traveller Film Screening, MacroomA screening of ‘Wheel of Dreams’ a recent short film created and produced by nine young Traveller girls from West Cork.29th May – Traveller Traditions and Films, Mallow, Co CorkTravellers of North Cork are bringing together Traveller groups, schools and community groups from different towns in North Cork to celebrate Traveller culture and heritage and via stories, demonstrations of Traveller crafts such as tent building and flowermaking.There will also be 3 films, produced by young Travellers screened, and giving their views on Traveller culture today. There will also be a film made by Charleville Traveller Women’s Group voicing the experiences of Travellers in homelessness.There will also be a reading of a book written by the McDonagh family from Fermoy (supported by TNC, Lecheile FRC, UCC and CCC Library service) for younger children, depicting a young Traveller girls wishes for the future “Maggie May’s Dreams and Hopes”Location – Le Chéile Family Resource Centre Mallow Community Campus Fair Street Mallow Co. Cork.

Programme of Events – Ulster

30 May – Traveller Living History, South Donegal The LivingHistory Event will provide a day long event to showcase a real-life hand on picture of the lives of Travellers in 1950s Ireland. The event includes a restored Barrel-Top Wagon, a traditional tent, a flat car and campfire. Activities on the day will include storytelling and members of the public can explore the camp and spend time learning about Travellers history and heritage.

25th May – Family Fun Traveller Heritage Day, Sligo

Sligo Traveller Development Group is holding a Family Fun Traveller Heritage Day that will provide a safe space for families and people from all communities to come together for a day of games, sport, fun and food as well as showcasing the work of Sligo Traveller Support Group. It will take place in the indoor sports hall of the Sligo Regional Sports Centre and will have a range of interactive displays including eye make up, flower making, face painting, cake icing, camping information, games, and an autism friendly area for young people. Location – Sligo Regional Sports Centre