Emma Larkin on the astounding natural beauty of North Kerry, Tom Crean’s pub and how Cork/Kerry matches test her resolve!
“The Kerry Creators Series grew out of a passion to connect with other writers, illustrators and photographers with links to the Kingdom. Kerry’s motto is “Comhar, Cabhair, Cairdeas,” which translates to “Cooperation, Help, and Friendship” and I can think of no better description of the people in this place that, as a blow-in, I’ve come to love.”
Emma Larkin lives in Kerry in Ireland with her husband, four children and dog. As a Cork woman living in the Kingdom, Emma is legally obliged to inform you that she is in fact, from Cork. Emma made the move to her husband’s homeland, near Listowel, in North Kerry in 2006, which she has never regretted for a minute, although the Cork/Kerry matches test her resolve at times. Emma is the author of the “Twin Power” series for O’Brien Press and the “Izzy’s Magical Adventures in Sport” series. There are four books so far in the Izzy series, with a fifth on the way.
Following on from the success of her “Izzy” series, Emma signed with O’Brien Press in 2022 to write a Gaelic games themed fiction book for older children. “Twin Power: Throw In” was published by O’Brien Press in March 2022. The sequel, “Twin Power: The Lost Cup” was published in May 2023. The third Twin Power book in the series will be published in Spring 2025.
Emma enjoys running, hiking and an active lifestyle. She coaches Gaelic football to both boys’ and girls’ teams in her local GAA and LGFA clubs in North Kerry. Emma spends most evenings on a pitch which makes her happy, but she would like more time to sit on a cosy chair and read. Emma is passionate about equality in sport. Emma’s original inspiration to write her books was her grandmother, Maureen Hennebry, (née Cashman), who was on the Cork camogie team which won the All-Ireland Camogie Championship three times in row between 1939 and 1941. Emma continues to be inspired to write by all the young boys and girls whom she coaches and kids like them all over the country and beyond. She wants to continue to provide them with books where they can see young people like themselves in the pages.
Q&A
1. You’re taking a writing break in a County Kerry café … Where is it? What Kerry author would you be reading? And which Kingdom-inspired dish would you be absolutely unable to resist?
I would head for the Marine Coffee Shop & Bakery in Ballybunion, part of the Marine Boutique Hotel. Their outdoor pods are the absolute perfect place to sit with a coffee and enjoy the panoramic views of Ballybunion’s world famous beaches and cliffs. In the summer, they serve coffee and treats from the Hatch, also gorgeous for coffee on the go. My mouth is watering now thinking of their delicious sausage rolls. Another Kingdom inspired food that I would 100% bring with me on a Ballybunion picnic day is fresh Bacús Bakery spelt sourdough, with Kerrygold butter spread on top of course!
2. Which month do you love most in Kerry, and why?
It’s a tough call on any month between April and September as I do thrive in warmer weather! If pushed, I think I would say September because the weather is usually nice, the hectic GAA/LGFA schedules are winding down and of course, the iconic Listowel Races takes place in September!
3. Who would you rather share a pint of Guinness with: Tom Crean or John B. Keane? Tell us a little more!
I think I would have to say Tom Crean as I am intrigued by discovery and adventure, and I would love to hear about his voyages. Also, my husband and I stopped by his pub in Annascaul (the South Pole Inn) after we got married and took my favourite wedding photographs in the doorway of the pub so I have a fondness for Tom Crean and Annascaul.
4. Which is your favourite Kerry …
a. Beach? Hands down, Ballybunion.
b. Pub? Joe Brodericks in Listowel or McCarthys Bar in Finuge
c. Drive? Slea Head drive – When I was a child, myself and my Cork family holidayed most summers on the Dingle peninsula, and I have a particular affinity for the Slea Head Drive.
d. Hike? Glanageenty Woods, not too far from where I live. Full of history, with three levels of walks. Stunning part of the world and ideal for trail running if you like a challenge!
e. Bookshop? Woulfe’s Book Shop in Listowel
f. View? The view over Dingle Bay when driving home towards Tralee from Dingle, either coming via the Conor Pass, or via Annascaul/Camp.
5. If time travel allowed you to go back, visit the Blaskets, and give one item and one piece of advice to Peig Sayers, what would they be?
My memory of Peig, from secondary school, rightly or wrongly, is one of depression and despair. As in, I felt depressed reading it. That was probably through teenage eyes, and I should have another read now I know. I don’t think that I would be qualified to give advice to a strong woman like Peig, who lived through tougher times than me, so I think the only thing I would tell her is that things get better, for women, for society, that we get our independence as a country and that we live in a vibrant, equal society now in Ireland.
6. We’re lucky to have Ireland’s mightiest (and highest) peak right here in the county. Have you ever climbed Carrauntoohil? If so, how did it make you feel? If not … would you consider giving it a go?
I have never climbed Carrauntoohil. I have climbed Brandon which is the second highest I believe. I loved that and would really like to give Carrauntoohil a go soon.
7. If you could pick one thing the county could do without, and one thing that it must never, ever lose, what would you choose?
The one thing that Kerry could do without is all the rain! Please, not so much rain! The one thing that it must never ever lose, and I say this as a proud Cork woman who loves her adopted county also, is …. the yerra phenomenon, the Kerry cuteness, whatever you’d like to call it, that sense of humour, the cleverness, I love it.
8. Finally …
i. The reeks or the strand? Strand, I love the beach. Even better if the sun is shining. I’m a warm weather person.
ii. Dingle or Killarney? Dingle, sorry Killarney which I do like, but Dingle has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere.
iii. Blaskets or Skelligs? Blaskets
iv. Black or white pudding? White
v. Kerryman or Kerry’s Eye? Kerry’s Eye
vi. Hunter, Dubarry or good old Dunlop? Good old Dunlop, a necessity in our house, to make sure the dog gets walked because of all that RAIN!
vii. Rooster or Kerr’s Pink? Roosters
viii. Turf or timber? I live in North Kerry; do you even need to ask!! Turf!!
ix. Dingle Gin or Skelligs chocolate? Skellig’s chocolate, I have a very sweet tooth.
x. Fassbender or Buckley? Buckley
Social images for sharing
Thanks so much, Emma for being in the inaugural instalment of the Kerry Creators series, and for all your support for the launch.
Find Emma on X/Twitter @EmmaLarkinBooks, on Instagram @EmmaLarkinBooks and Facebook.
Visit her website at www.emmalarkin.com
