Celebration of Traveller ethnicity in Charleville Castle

Offaly Traveller Movement as part of their annual celebration of Traveller Pride are hosting a free open air event on tomorrow, Wednesday June 14 from 3pm to 6pm in Charleville Castle.

The festival like family fun day is a Celebration of the recent state recognition of Traveller ethnicity.

The event will have kids’ entertainment, Traveller displays of wagons and tents etc and a BBQ for all.

There will be stories, ghost tours and lots of excitement.

Emma Gilchreest, Managing Director for Offaly Traveller Movement says the aim of Traveller Pride events is to bring a greater understanding and acceptance of Traveller culture to Irish society.

'This year’s Traveller pride event is even more important in light of Irish Travellers been recognised as an ethnic minority by the state on the 1st of March.

'A lot of Travellers have asked what this change in ethnic status will actually mean for people on the ground and the answer is that it won’t bring huge changes overnight.

'It does however mean greater protection under national and international human rights laws.

'Up until this point there had been no official recognition of Traveller culture and ethnicity.

'The importance of this change is that it has placed a value on Traveller culture at a national level and in the long term this will encourage all people in society (including Travellers themselves) to view Travellers in a more positive light.”

The festival fun day is one of many Traveller Pride events held throughout the country this week.

The OTM staff will be on hand on the day to welcome everyone to the grounds of Charleville Castle and who wishes to join in the fun.

For more information or general enquiries contact OTM reception at 057 93 52438.

Offaly Traveller Pride week event is funded by the Department of Justice & Equality and administered via Offaly County Council. The project is coordinated by Offaly Traveller Movement.