You can’t miss this pretty white cottage pub with its cheerful red paintwork, at Garrykennedy’s charming little harbour. Maura and Cormac Boyle have gradually done a little gentle modernisation since they took over ownership of Larkins in 2006 but, thankfully, the atmosphere has not changed too much.
Although not as old as it looks, it has a genuinely traditional ambience and, as the Boyle family are from farming backgrounds, the wholesome food offered by current managers, Cillian and Muireann Boyle, is firmly based in the locality, especially the area’s famous meats.
You’ll find delicious traditional dishes - beef & Guinness stew, bacon & cabbage, Irish stew - alongside more modern ones; local beef is the backbone of the evening menu, which takes things up a gear, and there will always be good fish dishes and something tasty for vegetarians too.
Maura and Cormac’s four children, Cillian, Cathal, Muireann and Diarmuid are all involved, especially in summer, and the cheerful, friendly and exceptionally accommodating service matches the country mood of this appealing pub.
Full of character and with music at weekends and on Wednesday in summer (with Irish dancing), it's an attractive spot which should make a pleasant outing if you are in the area.
