Walks, Coffee, and Clues: The Dublin Inspirations Behind Purls and Peril
When I sat down to write Purls and Peril, I wanted Maeve’s world to feel like stepping into a familiar corner of Dublin: a mix of cozy cafés, leafy walks, and the quiet hum of a knitting class. Being back home in Dublin these past weeks has reminded me just how much the city (and its surroundings) inspired the story.
Take Killiney Hill, where I went for a walk recently. Its winding trails and sweeping sea views carry the same air of mystery and possibility that threads through Maeve’s sleuthing. You never know what you might stumble upon when you crest a hill or round a corner.
On my way down, I stopped by Mister Magpie, a local coffee shop perched near the hill. Maeve always tried to stop here on here walks, and visited more like this — warm, welcoming, full of chatter and good cake with Michelle and even Liam. These cozy coffee nooks — have featured strongly in my own return to Dublin. Some are old favourites, others brand new discoveries, and they’ve all joined my arsenal of cozy spots that could spark story ideas. Two standouts this trip have been Peaberry Café in Sandyford Village and Brambles in Dundrum Town Centre—perfect for a coffee, a slice of cake, and maybe a little plotting.
Every day, as I leave the house, I look toward the Dublin Mountains, where the scramble up Three Rock became the setting for the book’s opening discovery. Those rocky slopes hold a particular kind of drama, equal parts beauty and foreboding, and it felt only natural to let the story begin there.
I even found myself wandering through Dundrum Town Centre—where Maeve’s local yarn shop is based in the book. While there isn’t a real-life knitting shop there (a pity!), I did visit one of my favourites in the city centre to get my yarn fix. And yes, I’ve been knitting the very same cowl featured in the book, this time using gorgeous Irish wool. It feels like bringing the story full circle.
And of course, The Goat Grill — Maeve and Michelle’s regular Thursday evening hangout — holds a special place in the book because it holds a special place in my own memory. I worked there when I was younger, and the atmosphere, the regulars, and the easy camaraderie of the place stayed with me. It felt like the perfect spot for Maeve and Michelle to swap both gossip and clues.
As I work on Book Two, I’m keeping my eyes open for new inspiration in the places I visit. A tucked-away lane, a bustling festival, or even a quiet pub corner might all find their way into Maeve’s next adventure. Dublin is full of stories—it’s just a matter of pausing with a good cup of tea (and maybe a slice of cake) to notice them.
See these locations in action in Purls and Peril, A Maeve Lynch Knitting Mystery
