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Article created by: Hidrėlėy

Children and animals often share a natural bond, and photographer Michele Zousmer captures that connection in a powerful way. In this series, she turns her lens toward Irish Traveller kids, showing tender moments between them and the animals they grow up with.

These photos offer a glimpse into a world that’s rarely seen. With honesty and care, Zousmer highlights the strength, innocence, and deep relationships that shape childhood in Traveller communities, especially through the eyes of their youngest members and the creatures they love.

More info: Instagram | michelezousmer.com | Facebook

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#1

Irish Traveler girl with freckles holding a small dog against a vibrant blue wall, showcasing childhood and animals together.

"Cristina and her pup. Iconic Irish Traveller beauty."

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    #2

    Irish Traveler child hugging three dogs outdoors, showcasing the bond between kids and their animals.

    "Unconditional love."

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    #3

    Irish Traveler kid in a pink dress bonding with a tan dog outdoors, capturing childhood runs free and animal companionship.

    "Lots of dogs in Irish Traveller halting sites. Full of protection and full of love."

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    #4

    Young Irish Traveler child gently holding the lead of a pony, showcasing the bond between kids and animals outdoors.

    "Horses are very important to Irish Traveller men. Here, a young boy gets his first horse. Loving and caring for horses starts young. "

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    #5

    Three Irish traveler kids wearing warm clothes sitting on gravel with a dog, sharing a moment outdoors with their animal friend.

    "Puppy wants to see too!"

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    #6

    Irish traveler kids playing outdoors with their dogs on grassy land near a fenced area on a cloudy day.

    "Dogs are everywhere. They protect and they love."

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    #7

    Irish traveler kids playing outdoors with friendly dogs, enjoying childhood moments surrounded by animals in a natural setting.

    "Love everywhere!"

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    #8

    Irish traveler kids enjoying time with a pony outdoors, capturing the bond between children and animals in nature.

    "Boys learn to take care of horses at a very young age. A special bond. Teaching responsibility and love."

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    #9

    Young Irish traveler child holding a small dog while other kids play outdoors with animals nearby.

    "Little brothers are always playing around. Maggie seems to be distracted!"

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    #10

    Irish Traveler kids playing outdoors with animals, jumping rope and enjoying free childhood in a community setting.

    "Rainy Sunday afternoon. Irish Traveller children."

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    #11

    Irish Traveler child playing outdoors near animals including a horse and dogs in a rural setting.

    "Playground."

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    #12

    Irish traveler kid with red hair sitting indoors holding a small white puppy near a lit stove in a cozy setting

    "The Irish Traveller children are so beautiful. Also, the puppies. Happy to be back!"

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    #13

    Two Irish Traveler kids holding black puppies, standing outside near a rustic door with green fields in the background.

    "Time in Tipperary. Kids get older. Always new puppies."

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    #14

    Young Irish Traveler kid wearing glasses hugging a small dog, sitting against a dark textured wall.

    "Mikey and his blue glasses."

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    #15

    Young Irish Traveler child holding a puppy outdoors, showcasing the bond between Irish Traveler kids and their animals.

    "Children learn nurturing skills by taking care of new puppies."

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    #16

    Two Irish Traveler kids standing by a large dog in front of a wooden door, showcasing childhood and animals.

    "James and Charlotte, when I first met them with their protective dog."

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    #17

    Two Irish Traveler kids and their dog outside trailers, capturing the spirit of childhood and animals running free.

    "Irish Traveller encampment. Children and dogs playing together."

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    #18

    Two Irish Traveler kids with animals, one riding a small horse and another playing with a dog outdoors near a fence.

    "Pa got a new horse. Michael got a new puppy. Horses and dogs are loved. Better than toys. Teaches responsibility."

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    #19

    Irish traveler kid laughing joyfully while sitting on a pony outdoors surrounded by animals and nature.

    "Young boys are introduced to horses at a young age. They fall in love."

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    #20

    Irish Traveler kids sitting outside a trailer with a brown dog walking in the foreground on a rural lot.

    "Visiting old friends."

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    #21

    Young Irish traveler child holding a small dog outdoors near a stone wall, showcasing childhood and animals together.

    "When you're as beautiful as your puppy. Many Irish Traveller children have puppies as pets. "

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    #22

    Irish traveler kid with a bottle, gently resting his arm on a dog, outdoors near a green fence with plants nearby.

    "Best friends."

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    #23

    Two Irish Traveler kids hugging large dogs outdoors, capturing childhood running free with animals in a rural setting.

    "Children and dogs all over."

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    #24

    Irish traveler kid smiling and holding two small puppies in a rustic outdoor setting with cars and scrap around.

    "Brand new puppies. She was so excited! Mom wasn’t happy!"

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    #25

    Three Irish Traveler kids inside a rustic home, one holding a puppy, showcasing childhood and animals freely together.

    "Home from school. It was an OK day! Teacher not very nice? Government housing for Irish Travellers."

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    #26

    Irish traveler kid leaning against a corrugated wall with a horse nearby on a bright, partly cloudy day outdoors.

    "Mary is 14 now. She is the oldest of 11. I met her when she was 9. Beautiful, smart, and kind."

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    #27

    Irish traveler kids in casual clothes relaxing on outdoor couches with a dog, showing childhood and animals together.

    "Sisters and dog relaxing."

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    #28

    Young Irish Traveler girl with blue eyes holding a small dog, showcasing Irish Traveler kids and their animals.

    "Some of us match our dogs. Dog love in Irish Traveller community."

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    #29

    Irish Traveler kid in a colorful camp setting hugging a small pony, showcasing childhood and animals freedom.

    "Boys love their horses. Horses are a big part of their lives since they were once responsible for pulling the wooden bow-top caravans. Caring for them, training them, riding or driving them from a cart—they require lots of time and love."


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