Tending the Flame: On The Road to Justice and Reparations 

Join us as we welcome our guest artists and light the fire and tend the flame for Misleór 2025. This year, we remember with love and gratitude our dear friend Tom McDonnell, who passed away earlier this year. Tom was a master craftsman and gifted tinsmith whose skill and artistry left a lasting impression on all who saw his work. He was an intrinsic part of the Misleór Festival, participating every year and he is deeply missed. His presence and legacy continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Stories and Songs of the Road vol 2

A follow-up project to Stories and Songsof the Road Vol. 1: this event revisits a

cassette tape made in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, capturing vibrant insights and performances by members of the local Traveller community in Galway. Presented in partnership with the Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA), this event will also feature a discussion with family members of those featured on the cassette, and will launch its release online as part of the ITMA Collections.

Film Screening: The first Inuit co-production across colonial borders.A film by Lin Alluna. Lived by Aaju Peter.

Renowned Inuit lawyer Aaju Peter has led a lifelong fight for the rights of her people. But while launching an effort to establish an Indigenous forum at the European Union, Aaju finds herself facing a difficult, personal journey to mend her own wounds after the unexpected passing of her son.

In this “powerful exploration of cultural trauma” (The Film Stage), director Lin Alluna follows alongside Aaju Peter as she strives to reclaim her language and identity after a lifetime of whitewashing and forced assimilation.

Join Nora Corcoran at the Misleór Whidden, a nomad-only gathering for Travellers and Nomadic Peoples. This space is dedicated to reflecting on culture, rights, and the journey toward justice and reparation, exploring how storytelling, art, and media can illuminate paths forward and amplify voices that are marginalised. 

Our discussion features international guests whose communities have pursued recognition, apology, and reparation: Jess Smith, whose advocacy secured official recognition of Scotland’s Tinker’s Heart; Beaska Niillas, Sámi storyteller, land guardian, and activist; and Aaju Peter, Inuk lawyer, activist, and filmmaker. Together, we will examine how state apologies acknowledge past wrongs and how cultural expression sustains movements, fosters understanding, and inspires tangible change.

Through sharing experiences and cross-cultural dialogue, Misleór Whidden nurtures the flame of justice and reparation, ensuring that our histories, struggles, and resilience guide the road ahead.

Join us for a powerful panel discussion following Twice Colonized. Featuring Aaju Peter alongside distinguished panelists Oein de Bhardúin, Willzee, Beaska Niillas, and Jess Smith, the conversation will explore how storytelling, media, and artistic expression can illuminate paths toward justice and reparation, amplify voices that are marginalised, and foster cross-cultural understanding. This session offers an opportunity to reflect on the role of culture, cinema, and advocacy in confronting historical injustices and nurturing collective resilience.

For nomadic communities the ‘cherra’ (Cant word for ‘fire’) has always been an important place for sharing and connecting; a melting pot of memory, imagination and creativity. Join this special meeting of creative minds, as poets and storytellers gather around the cherra to share work inspired by their nomadic heritage.

Featuring: Julia Sweeney – local Traveller writer, poet & singer from Galway; Jess Smith – author & storyteller (Scottish Traveller); Beaska Niilas – land guardian & duojár (Sámi); Lavie Olupona – activist & poet (Irish Traveller); and Chrissy Donoghue Ward – author & storyteller (Irish Traveller).

In this special programme of shorts, filmmakers with nomadic backgrounds look to their own communities to tell stories of struggle, resilience, identity and diversity. Featuring Misleór Short Documentary Grant. Screening followed by Q+A with filmmakers and a wine reception at the bar. Programme supported by Ardán & National Talent Academies

My Kind of People Directed by Ella Louise Ward

This short documentary by first-time filmmaker Ella Louise Ward explores the role of friendship within the Traveller community. Taking an intergenerational approach, the film looks at what factors contribute to friendship, and how thesehave changed over time.

Sam Rom Directed by Katie Ruby Mc Laughlin Robinson 

SAM ROM is a short documentary that shines a light on the Roma community in Ireland with a heartfelt focus on those living in Donegal. Through deeply personal interviews and intimate scenes, SAM ROM aims to reveal the rich tapestry and diversity within Roma culture while addressing the challenges faced day-to-day.

Red Shaded Green Directed by Johannes Vang 

When green energy comes at the expense of Sámi traditional life and culture, this poetic film questions the sustainability of combating climate change by replacing one form of destruction with another.

Where Dreams Are Forgotten Directed by Inuk Jorgenson

A small indigenous community struggling with post-colonial dreams of belonging to the developing Arctic while its citizens are battling the stark reality where the youngest generations are the ones who pay the highest price.

Dancer Directed by Nomin Gantulga

“Dancer” tells the story of Gerelee, a Deaf teenage girl who dreams of dancing. When her father protests her decision to audition for a dance company, their conflict opens up an opportunity for communication and connection. As they confront and resolve barriers to understanding, the film uses dance to craft a story about individual self-determination and supportive empathy in families.

Join a dynamic panel of young Traveller creatives as they share their experiences in podcasting, film, music, and activism. Featuring activists and podcasters Emma Ward and Latisha McCrudden from Mincéirs: Paving the Way, filmmakers Ethan and Joshua Donoghue, and more, this conversation dives into their journeys, challenges, and visions for the future. Hear directly from the next generation shaping culture and breaking barriers today.

Join us for a magical morning of stories at Misleór’s Youth and Family Day where young and old alike are invited to step into the world of imagination, tradition, and wonder. This special storytelling session brings together three remarkable voices from Traveller and Scottish Traveller communities, each with their own gift for bringing tales to life.

A creative project by Cork Traveller Women’s Network in collaboration with artist Linda Curtin, “Creating Connections - Traveller Lives” is a 12 minute immersive Virtual Reality Experience celebrating Traveller culture. Viewed through a VR headset sitting in a swivel chair allows participants a 360 degree experience of Traveller lives, including: Traveller women discussing changes for the community over the years, seated in a barrel top wagon, 17 year old Rosie McCarthy’s singing at Triskel Arts Centre, Martin and Richie McCarthy, passing on horse care skills to their sons and discussing the importance of horse keeping in a field on the north side of the city.

Drop in anytime to explore Traveller traditions and creativity throughout the day. Step inside the barrel-top wagon, try your hand at horseshoe painting, and enjoy a range of family-friendly arts and crafts that celebrate the skills and heritage of Traveller culture. A welcoming space to discover, create, and connect.

The Misleór Youth Talent Show is your chance to shine! After a summer of creativity with rap, songwriting, visual arts, and music videos, we’re inviting young people of all ages from across Galway to step on stage and share their talents. Whether you perform music, dance, spoken word, comedy, or something completely unique, this is a space to celebrate your voice, your creativity, and your confidence. Every performer will be recognised and appreciated for taking part. Bring your energy, your friends, and your imagination and be part of a powerful showcase of the next generation of nomadic artists and storytellers.

Oein DeBhairduin and Nora Corcoran return to Misleór this year to weave storytelling and ancient wisdom into an interactive talk and workshop on traditional Traveller herbalism and healing. Learn about foraging, gathering and healthy custodianship of the land, and get creative with traditional dyes and cording - all materials provided!

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ZOR, a dynamic ensemble emerging from Ando Glaso’s youth programme with support from the Youth Music Initiative, brings together vibrant young Roma musicians and seasoned mentors. Their workshop invites participants to explore the energetic fusion of traditional Gypsy music with contemporary styles, serving not just as a performance but as a cultural exchange. Immersive, lively, and rooted in heritage, ZOR offers an engaging and educational experience that champions Roma identity through spirited music and collaborative creativity.

What could architecture look like if it reflected the nomadic way of life? Groundbreaking Sámi artist and architect Joar Nango presents his creative practice followed by a discussion with Traveller Architect Brian Ward and Oein de Bhardúin. Presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation in partnership with Misleór Festival of Nomadic Cultures.

A festival favourite, Misleór in Song is an intimate evening of music and voices from nomadic artists. This year’s line-up features spoken word by Lavie Olupona, ballads from PJ Mongan, rap from Lizzy Connors and Willzee, and the high-energy Roma sounds of Zor. With songs and stories from international guests, the concert celebrates living traditions and carries them forward to new generations. Echoing this year’s theme, Tending the Flame, the concert honours the resilience of nomadic communities, keeping music, words, and spirit alive across borders and into new generations.

We’re on the road again! Misleór brings an installation of wooden horses made from recycled materials to Ballinasloe Fair, alongside a wattle tent from the If Hazel Could Talk project, featuring songs, artworks, and displays inspired by roadside and camp life. Visitors of all ages can get hands-on with traditional crafts such as paper flower-making, beady pockets, and horseshoe painting, exploring creativity while connecting with cultural heritage.

Misleór in Song Misleór Stage, 2 - 5pm

Catch nomadic singers and musicians on the Misleór Stage, with young and established talent sharing song, story, and tradition