Of course not every tattoo story is full of wonder, yet I dare say, thanks to the permanence of the act itself, the vast majority are well worth a listen.

With a show starting 16th May, in Temple Bar, Dublin, Aidan Kelly is presenting images of those who have a tale or two attached to some ink.

There are stories of the Merchant Navy, the Army and time behind bars. Half cans of cider, spiders and secret bids. It’s altogether a tribute to the tale of the Ink, no matter how mundane. Letting the reason for the creation be recounted and celebrated, and in turn some poignant images collected and exhibited. 

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