She Ain't No Galway Girl

July 28, 2022 by Kelly Boylan

Before I went on my trip to Ireland I had many people tell me how much they love Galway. Some even said it’s their favorite area of Ireland. I was excited to end my trip there based on the reviews and input of others. I had originally booked just one Airbnb in Galway, but plans changed and I had to book another stay somewhat last minute. I found the Kinlay Hostel on Airbnb and booked it for the price. I had never stayed in a hostel before and was nervous about safety and security. When I arrived, most of those worries were quelled by the warm atmosphere and the other women in my shared room. I was lucky that everyone in my room was quiet and respectful.

One day I did a trip to the Cliffs of Moher. It was quite the experience, with our bus breaking down twice along the way. And to be honest, the cliffs themselves were kind of underwhelming. I think it was a combination of so many people being there so it felt crowded, and the fact that you cant really get close to the edge. I think my experience would have been different had I been at the base of the cliffs. That being said, looking back on the photos I am blown away at the majesty of it all.

Overall, I’m more of an east coast Ireland gal. I chalk that up to the fact that the Boylans are from a county on the east coast. Galway has some wonderful restaurants and pubs, little shops and activities. But I found myself enjoying Dublin much more than Galway.

Pitstop in Kilkenny

July 26, 2022 by Kelly Boylan

I had the grand idea to not book the middle part of my Ireland trip, thinking I’d connect with locals in Dublin or Skerries and get their input on where I should go next. I also had a potential plan of renting a car to drive around Ireland in. But as soon as I took a taxi from the Dublin airport to my Airbnb I knew that was out of the question. It is in fact not as simple as just driving on the other side of the road.

I ended up taking the train from Dublin to Kilkenny and staying in a cute little Airbnb for a few nights. Kilkenny is much smaller than Dublin, and shops and restaurants closed much earlier than in Dublin. But I had some great moments there.

Ay Bray Bray

July 23, 2022 by Kelly Boylan

Before I left for my trip to Ireland I spent some time on Instagram looking for local film photographers. I came across the Ireland Analog page and saw they do film meet-ups. Over the last year or so I’ve made some really great friends through my local Beers & Cameras meet-up group, so I was excited to check this one out in Dublin.

Although it wasn’t the social engagement I was hoping for, I am really glad I tried it out and went. We met in a town called Bray, a short train ride away from Dublin. I met a few cool people and then generally just wondered around by myself for a few hours.

Skerries, Ireland

July 21, 2022 by Kelly Boylan

I took the train up to Skerries from Dublin one of the days I was in Ireland this past June. I have a set of photographs my dad and uncle took while on a trip to Ireland in 1977. I love those photographs. What I know of Skerries comes from those pictures, a few from a trip there in 2003 that other extended family members took, and from Google searches. I anticipated feeling excitement and joy while there, but I could not have anticipated the full effect of it.

When I arrived in Skerries I walked from the train station to the windmills. Then made my way towards the waterfront. I started listening to The Staves on my walk to the water. The Staves is a favorite band of mine. And though they are English, it felt the most fitting for my stroll around Skerries. As I came upon the docks, I took out the photographs from 1977 to compare them. I stood in wonder and in awe. From there I made my way down to the water and sat on a rock formation for a half hour, listening to The Staves, watching the water and the birds flying over it. I felt at home there.

I don’t know that I’ve ever felt truly connected to a culture or ancestry. I love being Irish. As an adult I now love and honor my fair skin. I had been looking forward to traveling to Ireland for a long time. Once I was there I felt a connection to Ireland and its people. Everyone was so kind and warm. I feel like Dublin was a pretty diverse city. The smaller towns I went to felt a bit too homogenous. I would love to have property in Skerries one day. But I don’t necessarily see myself living there full time.

Dublin (but on black & white)

July 18, 2022 by Kelly Boylan