“Ata’p a d’onadu”

Abstract

Irish Travellers are an indigenous ethnic minority group in the Republic of Ireland that have long considered themselves culturally distinct from the settled, mainstream population due to their shared history, language, value system, and customs that are unique to their group, most notably their tradition of itinerancy. The purpose of this qualitative case study was develop an understanding of the condition of Travellers in Ireland today through examining the government policies affecting the Traveller community, the unique needs of the Traveller community, the characteristics and program components of a select nongovernmental organization and how it is working to meet those needs, and the direction of the movement for Irish Traveller human rights. I used ethnographic methods, including interviews and observations, to develop the case. The study yielded insights related to the status and needs of Travellers’ health and education; the drive for ethnic recognition by the state; the need for conscientization of the Traveller community; the pride of the Travellers for their rich cultural history; and the discrimination that Travellers face at the individual, community, and national levels of Irish society.