Also known as Tinkers

These are members of an originally Celtic community that formed between the 12th and 20th centuries, as destitute peasants took to the road after periods of famine. The Irish Travellers number around 27,000 in the Republic of Ireland and 15,000 in Northern Ireland, with a further 15,000 (Scottish Travellers, some of whom came from Ireland) in Scotland and England and 7,000 in the United States. Rather less than a quarter of them currently lead an itinerant lifestyle, travelling the roads in caravans that are characteristically highly attractive. In rural areas of Britain they have always been marginalised despite their usefulness as labourers and craftsmen. They continue to be stigmatised on account of their origins, and this is something they have in common with Rroms, with whom however they should not be confused. The reality of the two cants ascribed to them (Shelta and Gamon) has not been really substantiated, although a child's book "Can't lose cant" was recently published, illustrating some 20 words of Travellers' cant. Like Rroms they suffer from unemployment, lack of education and training and various associated social problems – all of which tends to leave them further ostracised. They developed their own type of music, which is now tending to die out. Despite substantial grant aid to their organisations, their circumstances have scarcely improved over the years.

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