SOME selected characteristics of Irish itinerants are discussed
in this paper. An account is given of some of the
problems faced by itinerants based on factual material
obtained from Irish official publications, books and articles
on Irish itinerants, discussions with people who work with
itinerants and the findings of unpublished censuses of
itinerants taken by Local Authorities. The study does not
involve social or psychological analysis but tries by the
presentation of facts assembled together to "help, if in a small
way, those who are trying to improve the lot of itinerants".
The problem of itinerancy is seen by the authors as part
of the problem of poverty. Itinerants are or were, on the
whole, the dispossessed--poor, homeless, illiterate, despised."
Some, particularly the roadside traders (whom many would
not regard as itinerants), are reasonably well off but the great
majority according to Patricia McCarthy (1975) were regarded
as "marginal people in every sense . . . living a primitive and
harsh existence." They are conscious of their poverty, avoid
integration with the settled community, and have a low self
esteem because of their dependence on charity and social
welfare
