Miriam meets... Eoin Colfer and his parents Billy and Nor

This week Miriam O'Callaghan interviews children's author Eoin Colfer and his parents Billy and Noreen.

They recall their family life in Wexford town where everyone in the family was involved in cultural activities and the Colfer household was full of stories and painting.

Billy Colfer is originally from Hook Head in Wexford and he tells Miriam about growing up in a maritime community. His wife, Noreen is from Tipperary. She tells Miriam how she met Billy and the role Ernest Hemingway played in their romance. Eoin tells Miriam about how he met his wife Jackie.

All the Colfer sons have ended up doing creative work, influenced by their childhood experiences.

The Artemis Fowl series of books have proved very popular amongst younger readers and Eoin tells Miriam about the books and why this Summer's is the last in the series.

All three recall fond memories of family holidays, in the rain, on Hook Head. These holidays have proved inspirational for Eoin. His parents have moved back to Slade Village on the Head to be near possibly the oldest working lighthouse in the world.