Celia Larkin was the longtime partner of Irish prime minister (Taoiseach) Bertie Ahern. Their relationship ended in April 2003, or possibly earlier. The media discovered the couple had broken up when she failed to co-host a diplomatic dinner for the visiting President of Germany, although her name, along with that of the Taoiseach, featured on the invitations. Ahern has since reconciled with his estranged wife, to whom he was continually married whilst dating Larkin.

Larkin, during the period of her relationship with Ahern, acted as his consort at all times, and occasionally took his place at minor civic functions. For example, she launched a high speed ferry, the M.V. Jonathon Swift for Irish Ferries .

Since parting with Ahern, she has expanded her chain of beauty salons, and has appeared on Reality Television, in a RTÉ show The Restaurant, and more serene fore-runner to the ITV series Hells Kitchen.