Irish Travellers, also spelled Irish Travelers, are an ethnic group that originated in Ireland. Members of the group spend most of their lives traveling about the countryside. Their culture emphasizes movement, tradition, and family groups. Irish Travellers have their own language, beliefs, and customs. Most Irish Travellers live in Ireland, but some live in the United Kingdom, the United States, and elsewhere. Because of their nomadic (wandering) way of life, most Irish Travellers live apart from settled communities. In many areas, Irish Travellers have faced discrimination from other segments of society. Irish Travellers are sometimes called Tinkers, because of their tradition of working with tin and other metals.
Most Irish Travellers speak English. However, members of the group also use their own language, called Shelta. Also known as Gammon or the Cant, Shelta is based in part on Irish Gaelic, Ireland’s traditional language.
In the past, many Irish Travellers moved around in large, covered wagons drawn by horses. Today, many travel by means of caravans (trailers) pulled by automobiles. Traditionally, Irish Travellers have worked as metalsmiths, animal traders, sellers of crafts, and agricultural laborers. Today, many Irish Travellers in Ireland and the United Kingdom sell scrap metal and used automobile parts. In the United States, members of the group typically earn money by painting and repairing farm buildings, or by selling tools and other small items. Irish Travellers spend most of their time in rural areas.
Scholars have long debated the origins of the Irish Travellers. Some people believe that the group dates back to wanderers who already lived in Ireland when the Celts arrived around 400 B.C. Irish Travellers are often confused with Roma. Roma, also called Gypsies, are wandering people whose ancestors originally lived in India. Other wandering cultures living in the United States and the United Kingdom include the English Travellers, Scottish Travellers, and Welsh Travellers. Many of these groups are descended from Roma.
