TRAVELLING BACK (‘Ag Taisteal Siar’)

Traveller music has long been a defining force in Irish musical heritage. But as the music reached new heights, the Traveller way of life was undergoing profound change. The transition from life on the road to settled housing altered the social fabric that had long nurtured this tradition, challenging how music was passed down through generations. The documentary explores the profound and often overlooked contribution of legends such as Pecker Dunne, Maggie Barry and Johnny Doran to Ireland’s musical legacy. 

Today, the sound of Traveller music is evolving once again, with women rising to the forefront as key voices in the tradition. Ag Taisteal Siar  is a journey from Dublin to the West of Ireland to London, seeking out the musicians carrying this legacy forward, ensuring that the Traveller voice remains a powerful and essential part of Ireland’s cultural identity.