Martin Warde

Martin Warde is a member of the Irish Traveller community and has a degree in Sociology and Politics from the University of Galway (former NUIG) and an MA in journalism from the University of Limerick. He is also a stand-up comedian/writer, theatre-maker, and podcaster with a passion for telling stories from the margins.

Martin has spoken on multiple platforms about the lack of representation of his community within Irish media, particularly in positions of power and decision making. He writes regularly for major publications, including the Irish Times, Irish Examiner, and the Sunday Independent, and appears on TV panels on RTE and Virgin Media. Recently, he presented his essay on BBC Radio 4's Four Thought and completed a project with the National Museum of Ireland to archive oral histories from Traveller elders.

His work spans various artistic forms, including theatre and photography. His debut play, The Dead House, sold out during its 15-night run at the 2023 Dublin Theatre Festival. In 2022, Martin showcased his photography in an exhibition at the Photo Museum of Ireland, the project explored the Traveller community’s perspectives on mental health and well-being. He also completed his FUEL artist residency with the Druid Theatre Company in 2023 and will premiere his first television series, The End of the World with Beanz, on RTE One in March 2024.

For his SCI fellowship, Martin will explore the barriers to education faced by the Irish Traveller community, documenting their personal and lived experiences.