Molly McDonald: 'My parents were immigrants in New York, every summer we’d return to Galway'

Galway still feels like where my heart is

Sat, 03 Jan, 2026 - 01:00

Jennifer McShane

At just 30, filmmaker and YouTube producer Molly McDonald has travelled to more than 60 countries, carving out a career that blends storytelling, adventure and ambitious global expeditions. Raised between New York and Galway, her Irish roots run through her work, and today she runs Blue Door Productions, creating films for major brands like Red Bull and documenting extraordinary challenges, including Mitch Hutchcraft’s England-to-Everest triathlon.

Favourite childhood holiday memory

I went back and forth to Ireland as a kid. My parents were hardworking immigrants in New York, and every summer we’d return to Galway to stay with my grandparents. My favourite memories are from those summers in Bearna, reunited with cousins. My grandparents’ house overlooks Galway Bay and they’d open the sliding doors, put on the Corrs album and we’d have big garden dance parties. The next day, someone would always say they knew we were home because they could hear the Americans. Those summers feel so magical, and Galway still feels like where my heart is.

Most surprising destination

Iraq. Growing up in Battery Park City in the shadow of 9/11, I absorbed a lot of misconceptions through the media. When we crossed the border into Iraq during Project Limitless, I felt nervous even though I try to keep an open mind.

The nerves vanished immediately. People welcomed us with warmth and generosity, and it became one of the most special trips I’ve ever done. I’d love to go back, visit the friends we made, and bring family there someday. We made a YouTube video about the conversations we had with locals — sometimes heavy, but so important in challenging stereotypes and showing that online narratives don’t always reflect real people’s lives.

Most memorable trip

Recently, watching Russ Cook cross the finish line in Tunisia after running the length of Africa was incredibly special. We’d spent time with him and the team in Algeria beforehand, which felt like the calm before the storm. Once we crossed into Tunisia, people appeared everywhere to join him — running groups, bands, journalists, supporters who’d followed his journey online. It turned into a huge celebration. He’d raised over a million pounds, gained a million followers, and achieved something no one thought possible. Seeing the team’s effort come full circle was very emotional.

Tunisia - Russ Cook crossing finish line

Favourite city in the world

As a New Yorker who now lives in London, I have to say both. London’s quality of life is incredible.

There’s so much green space, it’s safe, and its cultural and social diversity make it feel like the perfect global base. New York, though, is endlessly vibrant. You can land with no plans and have new friends by the end of the night. It’s spontaneous in a way London sometimes isn’t, and it still feels like a place where anything can happen.

Most memorable food experience

Cambodia, at a street food market, trying tarantula. It was oily and crispy and definitely not for me. I tried snake-infused whiskey and the usual crickets too. I always try something once, but I won’t be rushing back to those.

On the completely opposite end of the scale, I found the best Sunday roast of my life at The Bell in Charlbury in the Cotswolds. I spent my 30th birthday there and became a devoted fan.

Insects for sale in the market of Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia

Favourite hotel

Raffles Doha really stands out. I booked a last-minute deal that felt almost too good to be true. The service was exceptional. I booked a regular room but ended up with something close to a penthouse, with balconies overlooking the water. On the other hand, one of my favourite places I’ve ever stayed is Downtown Hostel in Hanoi. It was clean, safe, and full of community. You arrive alone with your backpack and leave a week later with friends from all over the world, sometimes even continuing the journey together. That makes it just as memorable as any five-star hotel.

Favourite thing to do while travelling

I love getting outside and being active. Exploring by bike is one of the best ways to get a feel for a place. What I do depends on where I am: scuba diving in Australia, people-watching in a Paris café, hiking or swimming in national parks in the Pacific Northwest. I’m also interested in history and literature, so a walking tour is often the first thing I book. I love experiences that help me grow, things I wouldn’t do at home.

My bucket list trip

Japan is at the top of my list. Everyone I know who has visited comes back obsessed with it. I’ve also been researching a documentary project in South America, so Argentina is another place I hope to explore soon.