Blackrock Diving Tower scores a ten out of ten

Galway, one of Ireland’s most iconic cities, has always been on my destination bucket list. As I touched down in Dublin for my study abroad program, my thoughts kept drifting to the coastal town. During our four-week stay in Ireland, my fellow students and I spent a weekend exploring Galway and Limerick.

Galway Bay at 8:30 a.m., as the low tide makes it impossible for guests to jump from the highest board.

My first priority upon arriving at a new place is to find a swimming spot. Galway was hardly an exception. The city has a unique mix of traditional charm and contemporary energy, from the bustling atmosphere of its festivals to the medieval charm of its winding streets. The town is lovely, but my eyes were fixed on the Bay.

Just outside my hotel window, the sun begins to rise. I wake up, hear my alarm go off for the third time, and reach for my bathing suit. After getting ready, I slip out the door and carefully close it behind me, hoping I don't disturb my snoring roommates. I hurry down the winding staircase with excitement as I text my friends to meet up in the lobby. Within five minutes of getting into our taxi, we are gazing out at the Atlantic Ocean.

I have always felt a level of security when I was submerged in water. My mom, on the other hand, absolutely hated my adventurous nature when it came down to bodies of water. Whenever I go out, I hear her voice in the back of my mind: "Keely, please be careful. You know I hate it when you're near the water."

My mother, who spent all four years as a varsity swimmer for Sheldon High School, encouraged me to join the swim team when I was a freshman. Although I dreaded it at first, after every swim meet I felt a sense of accomplishment. I loved being in the water and now I was doing it with a purpose.

I'm usually the first to jump into any lake, ocean or newly discovered swimming hole. This time I wasn’t going alone. As my friends and I descend through the rocks we can't help but worry about the freezing depths below. Clouds fill the sky. It isn’t exactly a nice day for taking a dip but we've made it this far. Goosebumps cover our bodies as we make our way to the rusty staircase. The steps disappear into the murky abyss. As my feet reach the first step they are met with the freezing cold temperature that leaves me regretting my decision. Step after step I follow my friend, Ashley, into a never-ending sea of blue. When my head is fully submerged, my senses are overwhelmed by the saltiness of the water and a peaceful sensation. I float there, consumed in my own deafening silence as my mind starts to drift like the waves of the very thing we lay in.

Stroke after stroke I fight the chills with machine-like determination. The waves coat my body in a silk-like manner, numbing yet invigorating. Luckily I am not so easily deterred. As my heart starts to race I realize I am a bit farther out than expected. I head back to the stairs just in time for a quick photo op with my friends. Grabbing our towels we stare off into the ocean with a sense of accomplishment, almost as if we just crossed the finish line.

We are greeted by a bystander in their bathing suit who asks us “How was it? Would you do it again?” To which I quickly respond with “absolutely.” We continue talking until our taxi shows up. Opening the door of the cab I turn back to take one final glance of Galway Bay. I see the woman we talked to gear up. As she slides her swim cap on, she attaches a buoy to her swimsuit. Without hesitation she dives in. Her buoy gets smaller and smaller as we drive away.