Irish Travellers have never enjoyed a higher profile, at home and abroad, for good reasons and bad. There are positive stories like the success of boxers such as John Joe Nevin and Tyson Fury, the popularity of Big Fat Gypsy Weddings and Paddy Doherty's victory on Celebrity Big Brother.

Controversial news stories such as the Dale Farm stand-off and the recent convictions for slavery make for bad publicity Gypsy Empire delves into the heart of Traveller life, focusing on family feuds, bare-knuckle fights and trading. We meet many colourful characters, some of the world's most prolific and gifted criminals, whose self-reliance provides an edge over other crime gangs.