Irish Travellers face significant barriers in accessing and succeeding in education. Despite their distinct cultural identity and resilience, decades of systemic discrimination and marginalisation have entrenched educational inequalities for Traveller children. These disparities persist across all levels of the education system, from early childhood to higher education, resulting in limited opportunities and diminished outcomes for many Traveller families.
Historically, education policies have failed to recognise the uniqueness of Traveller students and, often promoting assimilation rather than inclusion. Segregated schooling, low expectations, and a lack of cultural representation have compounded these challenges, creating a cycle of disengagement and academic underachievement. Despite positive changes to state policy and the recognition of Traveller ethnicity, Traveller children remain disproportionately excluded from higher levels of education, with low retention rates and limited access to diverse educational pathways.
This report analyses the educational challenges faced by Travellers in Limerick city, offering both quantitative and qualitative insights into their experiences. It highlights the systemic factors contributing to educational disadvantage and introduces a community-led, participatory approach that empowers Traveller voices in research and advocacy to shape solutions for their educational needs.
Through collaboration with Traveller families, educators, and stakeholders, this research identifies barriers and explores practical, culturally informed strategies to overcome them. The report makes recommendations for implementing Traveller education strategies and policies, highlighting areas for further action and suggesting local activities to address these issues. Our findings emphasise the need to foster an inclusive educational environment where Traveller culture is respected, Travellers are integral to the education system (as students, parents, and educators), Traveller children are supported to reach their potential, and systemic inequities are dismantled.
By placing Traveller voices at the heart of this work, we seek to challenge the status quo and advocate for transformative change in the education system - ensuring that every Traveller child has the opportunity to thrive.
The project is a Participatory Action Research project of the Limerick Traveller Network developed and implemented with the support of Exchange House Ireland National Travellers Service. The project was guided and approved by Maynooth University.
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Traveller Education Change Project Executive Summary
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Traveller Education Change Project Full Report |
Watch a video of the Report