New publication preserving Traveller heritage launched

The Traveller Roots and Routes Manual was launched by Meath County Libraries last month, following the successful Traveller Genealogy project of 2019.

During the genealogy project, library service staff became aware of the rich but vanishing heritage of Meath Travellers in relation to placenames, travel routes, travelling history and customs, and traditional campsites.

The manual records the memories and experiences of Meath Travellers who lived this life and want the record preserved for future generations.

The manual is fully illustrated both with rare and up-to-date photographs of Travellers and campsite locations and with maps of Meath and Westmeath showing travel routes and Traveller camp locations.

The project was supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Pictured at the launch with Cathaoirleach Cllr Tommy Reilly was (left-right) County Librarian, Ciaran Mangan, Director of Services with responsibility for Cultural Development, Barry Lynch, Senior County Librarian Frances Tallon, Jody Joyce, Winnie McDonagh, Chirsty McDonagh Meath County Council Chief Executive, Kieran Kehoe and Liam McNiffe.