About the Project

Working across two phases, the project invited early years Traveller children and their families to engage in open-ended, play-based arts experiences rooted in the natural environment. Much of the activity took place on Clonea Beach, where the shoreline became both studio and gathering place.

Children explored their surroundings, gathering pebbles, shells, driftwood, and sea glass, and using these found objects to construct temporary artworks that remained on the sand. The open setting allowed for an unpressured, non-structured learning environment in which families could create together, respond to place, and enjoy the freedom of being outdoors.

A follow-up series of workshops was held the following spring. These sessions focused on memory, reflection, and revisiting the themes of the previous year. Mothers took part in both joint and separate sessions, contributing to conversations about their children’s creations, and strengthening the collaborative, intergenerational nature of the project.

 Process & Engagement

Across all sessions, the emphasis was on:

• Creative play in nature
• Shared exploration between children and parents
• Confidence-building through making
• Open-ended, child-led artistic responses

Artists Maree Hensey and Francesca Hutchinson worked closely with families, creating a welcoming environment where curiosity, imagination, and community were central.

The day-to-day running of the project was made possible through the commitment of local community workers. Mary Keenan and Teresa McDonagh were instrumental in supporting families to attend and ensuring every session felt warm and accessible. Their hands-on involvement, even down to organising snacks each week, made a significant impact. We also acknowledge the ongoing support of Dolores Corcoran from Dungarvan Traveller Community Health Project.

Publication: I Can Run Free

The project culminated in the creation of I Can Run Free, a publication celebrating the children’s voices, creativity, and experiences. The book reflects their time spent on the beach, their imaginative responses to the natural world, and the shared moments between families throughout the project.

Launch Event

The book was launched at Dungarvan Sports Centre, where families, friends, and members of the Traveller community gathered to celebrate the children’s achievements.

The launch featured:

• A display of quilts made by women from the Traveller community
• A screening of a short film about the project by Colm Walsh
• Words from Mary Aldridge, CEO of Mincéirí Port Láirge
• Children and families receiving their own copies of I Can Run Free from Kids’ Own CEO Jo Holmwood
• Games, face painting, and a joyful community celebration

In addition to the publication, Kids’ Own also produced a video documentation of the project and commissioned new research report where early Years Consultant Leah Russell undertook a research role to document the experiences and learning that emerged throughout the programme. See both here: https://kidsown.ie/dungarvan-early-years-film-launched/

 Partners & Funders

This project was kindly funded by The Toy Show Appeal through Community Foundation Ireland.
Delivered in partnership with:

• Dungarvan Traveller Community Health Project
• Dungarvan Traveller Health Project
• Waterford County Childcare Committee
• Waterford Traveller Interagency Group