End of the road for Wanderly Wagon: Last Travellers living in barrel-top wagon to settle down
Reilly Top And Nelly Barrel Mcgee Yellow Wagon, Outside Primrose Willie Adorned With And Their Emerald Pictures: Green Photography
A couple who are the last remaining Travellers living in a barrel-top wagon are finally ready to settle, after decades of embracing the old-school tradition.
Nelly Reilly, 68, and her husband Willie, 77, live on an unofficial site in Cashel, Tipperary.
The resplendent design of the couple's traditional wagon is in stark contrast to their stereotypically urban surroundings. Like other wagons, the piece of craftsmanship is etched with its own unique engravings and designs.
Adorned with primrose yellow and emerald green, the model underwent a makeover in recent years that saw its wooden wheels replaced with modern tyres.
Despite these minor adjustments, the wagon still radiates old-world charm — drawing curiosity from tourists and locals.
It has also been a source of inspiration for photographers across the country who view the piece as a symbol of Traveller culture.
Recent times, however, marked the end of an era, as the couple — who lived their whole lives in barrel-top wagons — finally moved into a standard caravan located adjacent to the artifact.
The grandparents are currently using the wagon for storage, until they can secure a more permanent living situation.
Nelly said she hopes to move into a house where they can finally enjoy a more comfortable life. All of their children have now settled and live in properties locally.
However, they all have wonderful memories of their time on the road.
“I have always lived in it,” Nelly said.
“I raised my children in it. There were 11 children, eight boys and three girls. When the boys got older we got them their own caravan which they slept in.
"This is just a place we parked. We are still looking for a proper place to live in.
"People don’t want to live in the wagons, because they are raising families and they want the right place to do that. There are only two of us left here now. At this time of life, it’s very tough.
"My husband has health issues. I have health issues. We need a proper place with proper toilets.”
She recalled their days in the wagon with fondness.
“The best thing about travelling around is meeting cousins and friends. It was lovely in the summer."
Ms Reilly described how the barrel-top wagon differs from other types of homes.
"I have stayed in a house and you have a lot more comfort," she said.
"You have the showers, you have the toilets, and you’re in a bed that’s warm at night. All my family have houses now.”
Nelly said that she would love to have a home to facilitate the visits from her dozens of grandchildren.
“It would be an easier way of life. I would prefer to get a place where we can finally have a bit of peace and quiet but if we do move, we will keep the wagon in the family.
"We are very happy after all these years. Now, it’s time to settle down.”
She spoke of the joy their barrel wagon has brought to others.
“It does make me proud that we’re the only ones because people love it. They love looking at old things. We have had it for years.
"The biggest challenge was raising my family. All of our children have nice houses now, which is the main thing.”
The majority of today’s barrel-top wagons exist only in museums or as part of historical projects. One of the most recently constructed models takes pride of place at Cork Public Museum, in Fitzgerald’s Park.
The Barrel Top project was constructed during Cork’s tenure as the European Capital of Culture. It is now a centrepiece of the museum’s Traveller Culture exhibit.