Warm up by the Misleór ‘cherra’ (Cant word for ‘fire’), with live storytelling and music from local Traveller artists, paper flower-making and traditional crafts! 

For Travellers and many other nomadic communities the cherra is an important place for sharing and connecting; a melting pot of memory, imagination and creativity. Join us around the cherra to celebrate Traveller culture by simply listening or sharing a story, poem, song or tune of your own!

Online workshop and dialogue space exploring this year’s festival theme - Custodians: Keepers of Culture. Facilitated by Catherine Joyce, this event is reserved exclusively for members of nomadic communities.

This space is created to increase participation and input from nomadic voices. Facilitated by Catherine Joyce, a Traveller woman and advocate for Traveller Human Rights, this event is exclusively for members of nomadic communities. Your contributions will also feed into our Friday event, “Custodianship of our Stories on Screen.”

This year’s theme, “Custodians - Keepers of Culture,” celebrates the guardians of music, song, dance, stories, skills, and knowledge within the nomadic tradition. We will explore cultural rights, repatriation of cultural materials, and reclaiming narratives.

We value your contribution.

RSVP online here.

Email events@gtmtrav.ie for more information.

Misleór is proud to present a dynamic and diverse panel of musical custodians, carrying the songs and sounds from their nomadic roots: Kathleen Keenan (Traveller), Janos Lang + Marius Otves (Roma) and Budgarav Bayasgalan + Altangerel Batzorig (Mongolian).

Bookings via Arts in Action Eventbrite

Join us ‘on the road’ as we welcome our guest artists and light the fire for Misleór 2024.

RSVP with our opening event ‘Stories and Songs of The Road’.

An immersive audio experience to celebrate Stories and Songs of the Road Vol. 1: 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. 

How do we ensure that indigenous, nomadic and minority filmmakers are empowered to tell their own stories on screen? And how do we ensure that those filmmakers and their communities maintain ownership of these stories? 

In a special presentation from Liisa Holmberg, we hear the story of the International Sámi Film Institute (ISFI) and the role it has played in building a new generation of Sámi filmmakers.

Liisa Holmberg, a former film commissioner at the ISFI, is currently the Managing Director of the Arctic Indigenous Film Fund (AIFF). Established in 2018, AIFF supports Indigenous filmmakers in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Sápmi, and Russia through funding, networking and capacity-building programs. Holmberg is a Sámi filmmaker who originally comes from the Finnish side of Sámiland. Since 1994, she has worked in the film business as a producer, production manager and film consultant. 

This session will be chaired by Catherine Joyce, with contributions from special guest speakers Dr Rosaleen McDonagh, Joshua Donoghue and Ethan Donoghue. Supported by the National Talent Academy for Film & Television

Máhccan - Homecoming is set in the changing world of museums and deals with the repatriation of cultural objects to their original owners. In 2021, the National Museum of Finland returned thousands of everyday objects taken from the Sámi people to the Sámi Museum Siida. Filmmaker Suvi West takes the audience behind the scenes of the museum world, revealing a visual, philosophical, and spiritual realm. She seeks a connection with ancestors through old museum objects, eventually arriving at the collective pain points of the Sámi people. How can the damage caused by outsiders be repaired so that collective pains can be left behind?

Screening followed by online (live) Q+A with Sámi filmmaker Suvi West, hosted by Oein DeBhairduin - Inclusive Histories Curator of Traveller Culture at the National Museum of Ireland.

Would you like to learn how to make your own beady pocket? Join one of our interactive workshops led by textile artists Nora Mongan and Annemarie McDonagh. Materials provided, but feel free to bring your own decorations and adornments! 

Spaces limited - booking recommended!

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 and poet from Galway, Damian Le Bas - writer, filmmaker and visual artist from the Gypsy Traveller community in UK, and Aka Hansen - filmmaker and poet from the Inuit community in Greenland. This event will also feature a bespoke performance of the National Action Group for LGBTI+ Traveller & Roma Rights - Spoken Word Project.

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 the world premiere of My Kind of People which was made through this year’s Misleór Short Documentary Grant. Screening followed by Q+A with filmmakers and a wine reception at the bar. Programme supported by Galway City of Film. 

Content warning: some films in this programme contain references to self-harm and suicide.

Tickets €10/5

Chavo - directed by Alecio Araci

Tommy's Grill is a meeting place for the Romani community. Here a motley crew of people gather to eat and talk. When a young man visits the restaurant one evening, rumours begin to spread. Chavo tells the story of a man who is forced to revisit traumatic memories. A bond between a mourning father and a rejected son builds up, and it seems like they have more in common than Tommy was first aware of.

Being Put Back Together - directed by David McDonagh

David McDonagh discovered the art of photography and how it opened a whole new world for him.The importance of visual imagery played a major part in his early life, the fact that his grandparents could not read and write and relied on ‘pictures’ to communicate had a lasting effect on him and lead to his exploration of the visual. Now David wants to help someone to explore the medium of photography in the hope that they will benefit as he has himself. Being Put Back Together follows the journey of Kaylen McDonagh as he discovers photography and how it helps him in dealing with life. Through the film we witness the changes in Kaylen as he reflects on his life.

Sire and the Last Summer - directed by Liselotte Wajstedt

In 1916 Sire Marainen, the director’s great-grandmother is pregnant. Then she falls ill with goitre and eventuallly chokes to death. But before that she lives a rich summer on the fells with her emotions, sounds and memories, concentrating on small details. Sire makes us remember life, not death.

Qulleq - directed by Aka Hansen

Life is a beautiful dance between the natural world and tradition, as experienced by this lovely short rooted in Inuk culture. The short film offers for you to be present for a short time while a Qulleq is lit. A Qulleq is a traditional oil lamp that made it possible for our ancestors to keep fire inside a house made of snow. The Qulleq made it possible to have light, heat and a place to cook and was essential for Inuit.

Sicár - directed by Ethan Donoghue

Three brothers who went their separate ways are forced to reunite for their father’s funeral. The death of their father forces them to rekindle their relationship.

Enchukunoto - directed by Laissa Malih

Laissa Malih - the first female Maasai filmmaker - returns to the community her parents left behind in this deeply personal look at how the lands of her forefathers are being reshaped by climate change.

Fifteen Minutes - directed by Sejad Ademaj

The short film tells the story of Jasmina, and her family. While Jasmina is doing homework after having dinner with her parents, her friend Lukas calls and wants to persuade her to come outside. While the two are still talking on the phone, the doorbell rings. Instead of Lukas, the police are at the door. They tell Jasmina and her parents that they have fifteen minutes to pack their belongings. For Jasmina a world comes crashing down.

Baigal Nuur - Lake Baikal - directed by Alisi Telengut

The formation of Lake Baikal in Siberia is reimagined with hand-painted animation and found objects, featuring the voice of an Indigenous woman who can still recall some words in her endangered Buryat language (a Mongolian dialect).

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 these have changed over time. 

Step into the colourful and dynamic world of Mongolian folk dancing, an artform embodying and originating from the nomadic way of life. Workshop hosted by Khuur Mongolian Ethnic Band, with dancer Anujin Mendpurev and morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) players Altangerel Batzorig and Budgarav Bayasgalan.

Oein DeBhairduin and Nora Corcoran 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!

Places limited - booking essential!

Explore the traditional Traveller barrel-top wagon and get creative with horseshoe painting - all ages welcome!

Presented by Music Generation Galway City, this event welcomes young talents and families to enjoy performances by PJ Mongan and Francis Ward, and a special screening of ‘Campfire in the Dark’ - a new music video made by the Foróige youth group in Ballinfoyle!

We also invite young people to sing a song during the ‘Open Mic’ session, with support from Music Generation Galway City educators David McGloughlin and PJ Mongan - the stage is yours, give a song a go!

Fiddle players - step into the heart of Roma music culture with Janos Lang and Marius Otves, two Roma fiddle players from Hungary and Romania. Based in Glasgow, Janos is the creative director of Ando Glaso ("In Tune"), a cultural organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting Roma heritage. He has toured the world, fusing the fiery traditions of his Hungarian roots with Scottish and Irish influences. Marius, a master from Romania’s Bihar region, brings the raw authenticity of traditional Gypsy music, perfected through a lifetime of playing at weddings, burials, parties and other community events. 

Other instruments welcome, however the workshop will be focused on fiddle styles and techniques.

Places limited - booking recommended!

Ready to drop some heat? 🔥 Come kick it with ATMOS Collective for an afternoon of dope beats, live freestyles, and DJ vibes. You in?

Would you like to learn how to make your own beady pocket? Join one of our interactive workshops led by textile artists Nora Mongan and Annemarie McDonagh. Materials provided, but feel free to bring your own decorations and adornments! 

Spaces limited - booking recommended!

The GAFF presents the world premiere of its short documentary film, Knuck & Knuckle. Lee Reeves' story is a gripping tale of how a young Limerick man uses his love of boxing to overcome the pain of losing his mother to suicide. Having turned his grief into an energy that became his route to recovery and survival, Reeves is now a keen advocate for boxing and sport, as tools for positive mental health for young men, particularly those from the Irish Traveller community where suicide rates are seven times higher than average. Known professionally as El Champo, he is currently the NABF light welterweight champion in North America. With music artist Willzee in the role of interviewer, Knuck & Knuckle holds appeal for young people over the age of 15, particularly those struggling to cope with grief. Directed by Sean Horgan and Ellie Marron. Produced by Frank McCarthy and Monica Spencer.

Screening will be followed by Q+A with artists Frank McCarthy and Willzee, and boxer Lee Reeves, as well as a live demonstration of ‘Paint Punch’ by members of the Galway Boxing Club. Inspired by young Travellers’ love of boxing, artist Frank McCarthy developed ‘Paint Punch’ - a new approach to painting and creativity through boxing!

Content warning: this film contains references to suicide.

Recommended ages 16+

With the power to travel across borders, carrying stories, knowledge and traditions to new generations, music has always played a fundamental role in nomadic cultures around the world. Don’t miss this incredible line-up of musical custodians, carrying the songs and sounds from their nomadic roots.

Tickets €15/10

Francis Ward 

Francis Ward is a talented young singer and guitarist from the local Traveller community. He has played a significant role in the Galway youth music scene through his involvement with Foróige, the GCC Music Centre in Galway Community College and Music Generation Galway City. Earlier this year, Francis also won the Music Award at the National Traveller Pride Awards alongside fellow musician PJ Mongan.

Rosie McCarthy

Rising star Rosie McCarthy is a young Traveller singer from West Cork. She has sung alongside the likes of Thomas McCarthy, Trish Riley, Willzee and the Keenan sisters, and will soon support Iarla Ó Lionáird at the Cork Folk Festival. She has also featured in several films, including the recent RTÉ documentary Songlines. 

Janos Lang + Marius Otves

Experience the vibrant spirit of Roma music with fiddle players Janos Lang and Marius Otves. Together, they offer a dynamic showcase of the rich fiddle styles from Hungary, Romania, and Transylvania, taking you on a captivating journey into the heart of Roma culture.  

Paddy Keenan

As one of the most important custodians of the piping tradition within Traveller culture, we are delighted to welcome Paddy Keenan to the Misleór stage this year. 

Born in Trim, Co. Meath, Paddy Keenan hails from a musical Traveller family with deep uilleann piping roots. He joined The Pavees, and later formed “Seachtar” with Mícheál Ó Dhomhnaill, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill and more. This ensemble evolved into The Bothy Band, revolutionising Irish music by blending driving rhythms and traditional tunes. Paddy’s piping virtuosity and fierce playing style defined the band, earning him comparisons to Jimi Hendrix and John Coltrane. His flowing, open-fingered technique was influenced by his father’s and grandfather’s style. 

Earlier this year, Paddy and fellow piper Mickey Dunne led a musical pilgrimage entitled the Long Grazing Acre: a two-week journey from Boyle to Donegal by a horse-drawn, barrel-top wagon in a tribute to their Traveller forefathers.

We’re on the road again! Misleór is heading to Ballinasloe Fair with our installation of wooden horses made from recycled materials. Get creative with paper flower-making, beady pockets, horseshoe painting and more!

11am-1pm: Tinsmithing

Live demonstrations and discussions with traditional tinsmith Tom McDonnell and friends.

12-3pm: Traveller Shorts (Misleór Outdoor Cinema)

Special selection of short films celebrating custodianship, diversity and resilience within the Traveller community. 

2-5pm: Live Music

Come down to the Misleór stage to enjoy a very special line-up of singers and musicians. Hosted by the local talent and rising star PJ Mongan. 

2pm: Paddy Keenan
Born in Trim, Co. Meath, Paddy Keenan hails from a musical Traveller family with deep uilleann piping roots.His flowing, open-fingered technique was influenced by his father’s and grandfather’s style.

3pm: Kathleen Keenan

Coming from a family of musicians, Kathleen Keenan is an accomplished singer-songwriter who has been performing from an early age, and recently released her first album ‘Beautiful Angels’.

3.45pm: Janos Lang + Marius Otves

Experience the vibrant spirit of Roma music with fiddle players Janos Lang and Marius Otves. Together, they offer a dynamic showcase of the rich fiddle styles from Hungary, Romania, and Transylvania, taking you on a captivating journey into the heart of Roma culture.  

4.15pm: Francis Ward

Francis Ward is a talented young singer and guitarist from the local Traveller community, who recently won the Music Award at the National Traveller Pride Awards alongside fellow musician PJ Mongan.

What could architecture look like if it reflected the nomadic way of life? Groundbreaking Sámi artist and architect Joar Nango in conversation about his creative practice. 

Presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation in partnership with Misleór Festival of Nomadic Cultures.