Holly Carpenter: Since I’ve turned 30, I’m much more my own person

"I’d like to be remembered to be funny and honest and loyal and kind."

Photo: Alan Keville

When my Mum and Dad had me, they originally lived in an apartment in Harold’s Cross and then they moved to a house in Raheny. It was me and my younger brother, Ben. We grew up in a cul-de-sac, so all the kids were able to play out on the street without cars flying by. We were able to go skipping out on the road or play tip-the-can or draw with chalk. It was really nice to have that kind of childhood where you were just outside all day. It was a really nice area to grow up in.

I think that I can actually remember being bathed as a baby. Being in one of those really small baths. I do have lots of fond memories of bath time because I had so many toys in the bath—dolphins and Barbies and different things, so I used to always want to stay in the bath for hours. Even now, as an adult, I find it the best way to relax. If I go to a hotel, I run straight into the bathroom to see if they have a bath. I think that’s one of my first memories.