‘A Bird in the House, God Bless her’ is a film made by Michael Fortune of folklore.ie, with the Southside Travellers Action Group (STAG). Recorded between 2017-18, these interviews tell of rare Easter and May Day customs in Ireland, and include personal stories involving fairies, the banshee and shape-shifting hares; to contemporary customs such as acronyms used on Facebook.
‘A Bird in the House, God Bless Her’ was the winner of the 2024 Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI) Community Archive Scheme. It marks the first collection in DRI that specifically focuses on the culture and experiences of the Traveller Community. It is a privilege for DRI to hold such precious materials.
As part of the Dublin Festival of History, all are welcome to join Michael Fortune for a lunchtime talk on the film ‘A Bird in the House, God Bless Her’, as well as the Community Archive Scheme process. The event will also have an introduction by Nell McDonagh, Family Liaison and Heritage Officer with Meath Travellers’ Workshop, and music and words from acclaimed singer and storyteller Thomas McCarthy.
Information about the 2025 DRI Community Archive Scheme will also be available at the event.
Access Requirements
Have you got any access requirements that we can assist you with, so that you can fully engage with our event? Please let us know by contacting our access officer in advance of the event, by email: accessofficer@ria.ie
