It's time for Irish chocolate

A county by county round up of Irish chocolatiers

Mar 17, 2024

UPDATED 18-NOV-2024, now listing 70 Irish chocolate makers

This week’s edition of Ocras is a behemoth.

Why, you may ask? Well, I recently wrote an Easter article for the Irish Times Magazine where I featured amazing creations from 11 of Ireland’s wonderful chocolate creators.

My recent article for the Irish Times Magazine on March 16th

In preparing that article I came across many, many chocolate businesses. Currently the total stands at 60 passionate producers, and I’m sure there are probably more. In total, 27 of the island’s 32 counties are covered, showing that the market for Irish quality chocolate is all over the island.

From North to South, East to West, I scoured the island. And there’s no doubt that the creativity and delicious of Irish chocolate is in a golden era. There are long-established businesses jostling alongside others which were more recently bought into life by the pandemic. From commercial to artisan, the list has got it all.

The list is organised by county, to help you find your local favourite. I hope you enjoy.

For those who are reading by email - this extra long edition of Ocras may appear truncated in your email application. Please click through to the website to read the full post.

If I have not included your favourite, or you wish for your business to be included, please contact me, or leave a comment.

Antrim

Ten Watch Chocolates

Named after a reference to the movie Casablanca, Ten Watch Chocolates comes from Lawrie Dowie, an experienced chef and sourdough baker. His award winning range of filled chocolates and truffles is made using single origin, fair trade Madagascar chocolate, that is GMO and preservative free.

Co Couture

One of Northern Ireland’s best known chocolatiers, Co Couture has received both 3 star and 2 star awards from the Guild of Fine Food in the Great Taste Awards. Co Couture also provides chocolate powder for hot chocolate to coffee shops in Belfast and runs chocolate-making courses, in addition to selling from their Belfast shop.

Armagh

Cobden + Brown

Another Great Taste winner, Cobden + Brown make a range of wheat-free and gluten-free chocolates, driven by a coeliac diagnosis in a family member. Dairy-free is also available but with no compromise on taste.

Carlow

The Chocolate Garden of Ireland

Jim and Mary Healy started making waffles in 2001 in Wicklow, but over the years they have diversified into ice-creams as Tipperary Ice Cream, and chocolates.

Their base on the Carlow-Wicklow border offers a change of chocolate experiences including afternoon tea and chocolate making, and their Easter range includes eggs (including some with no added sugar) and figurines.

Cavan

Áine

While Ann Rudden might have started her business in Dublin in 1999, she always planned to bring it home to her village of Stradone in Co Cavan. In addition to selling under the main Áine brand, she supplies and partners with retailers such as Dunnes Stores, Aldi, SuperValu, Lidl and Harrods. Áine's Handmade Chocolate also provides chocolate solutions for the gifting, hamper and corporate market.

Clare

Hazel Mountain Chocolates

Small batch, bean to bar producer Hazel Mountain Chocolates is dedicated to the ‘little guy’ and fostering direct relationships with cocoa bean farmers and co-operatives from Madagascar, Venezuela, Mexico, Costa Rica and Cuba.

This year’s range features some indulgent ‘cracking’ Easter eggs (€26.50) as well as some fun, whimsical items including the cutest chickens ever - Henrik and Henrietta, chocolate carrots and bunnies.

Henrik or Henrietta, the gorgeous hens from Hazel Mountain

Magic Mayan

I first tried a box of Magic Mayan chocolates during the pandemic and I absolutely loved them, even though I’m not generally a fan of dark chocolate. Owner and self0-taught chocolatier Darren creates a range of 12 organic, raw, bean to bar chocolate bars, 3 smooth 55% Chocolate Bars, confectionary and hot chocolate, all vegan friendly and gluten-free.

Wilde Irish Chocolates

Based in Tuamgraney, Co. Clare, Wilde have been making chocolate for over two decades, with factory tours and experiences available from their location on the shores of Lough Derg. Enjoy their range of over 80 different chocolate bars, chocolate slices, chocolate gift selections, chocolate spreads, hot chocolate swirl sticks.

Cork

Cocoa

The beautiful Winthrop Arcade is where you will find Cocoa, a boutique chocolate shop and café. Owner Brendan Cashman handmakes all truffles, cakes, pastries and macaroons.

Danero

Founded in 2012, Danero is a small Cork brand that makes craft bars, mendiants and fresh truffles. Danero use premium single origin chocolate and the best of local ingredients. Look out for them in the Mahon Farmers Market on Thursdays, Douglas Farmers Market on Saturdays, and on NeighbourFood.ie online market!

Exploding Tree

One of Ireland’s few bean to bar producers, Exploding Tree is based in Clonakilty and uses Fairtrade and Organic cacao in its production. All packaging is 100% bio-degradable, low-carbon and sustainably manufactured. And if making serious chocolate wasn’t hard enough work, they also run the annual Clonakilty Bicycle Festival.

For Easter, they offer a DIY Easter Egg kit which includes chocolates and moulds to make your own egg at home.

Hungry Crow

Not many small towns host two chocolate makers, but Clonakilty is also home to Hungry Crow, a range of “joyously decadent chocolates” from Niamh O’Reilly. She makes her chocolates using 72% or 85% single origin couverture chocolate & without adding dairy grains or refined sugars. Truffles even come packaged in boxes made from recycled cocoa husks.

Koko of Kinsale

In 2010, Frank Keane turned his former ceramics art gallery on the waterfront Pier Road into a chocolate shop, and Koko of Kinsale was born. Their distinctive bright blue and orange packaging stands out, even in this colourful Cork town.

Handmade Easter eggs range from €20 to €35, with a range of smaller pieces also available.

Lusso

From the Lusso base in Ballincollig, Carl and Ian create a range of chocolates, desserts and custom order items. Everything is handmade to order and items can be personalised for that special gift.

O’Conaill Chocolate

This long-established Cork chocolate maker has a chocolate factory in Carrigaline, and also sells their chocolates, hot chocolate and baked goods from local markets (see website for details).

Praline

Norma Kelly spent 10 years lecturing in pastry at the Dublin Institute of Technology before returning to Mitchelstown and setting up Praline. While researching this list, many Corkonians contacted me to rave about the small batches of truffles and bars which are made in her specialised chocolate production area using Cacao Barry chocolate. Now she has just opened Praline Pastry & Chocolate Café, where customers can choose their own selection alongside a speciality coffee, or decadent hot chocolate.

Second Street Bakeshop

Claire Keane’s Second Street Bakeshop may not be a pure play chocolatier, but her chocolate covered toffee brittle is one of the most addictive things I’ve eaten recently. Grab an Easter egg shaped brittle bars to celebrate the season.

The Chocolate Shop

Selling from a stall in the city’s iconic English market is where you will find Rosemary Daly of The Chocolate Shop. She is a certified Chocolate Taster and occasionally runs chocolate tastings, alongside her range of chocolates, treats and baking supplies.

Derry

Monto

Named after founder Monto Mansour, every Monto chocolate is handmade using techniques perfected by Monti over his years of practice in pastry kitchens across Ireland and the UK. This year’s Easter range includes a blonde chocolate egg, and delicious flavours such as cherry pistachio or peanut caramel mini half eggs.

The Chocolate Manor

Located right in the North of the Ireland, The Chocolate Manor has grown from a home kitchen business to producing pieces for the Royal Family, and high-end restaurants. In July 2020, The Chocolate Manor transformed the front space of their premises into an emporium, selling their own products alongside Taste Causeway produce.

When I asked readers for recommendations, the Chocolate Manor came up many times especially for their family and child-friendly experiences, including the Choccy Rocky experience.

Donegal

The Donegal Chocolate Man

German Axel Pawlik is The Donegal Chocolate Man, creating a range of chocolate bonbons from the northern reaches of Ireland. Look out for his Sliabh Liar Donegal Spirits set of 9 bonbons, featuring Silkie Irish Whiskey, An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin, and Assaranca Vodka.

Down

Hotties Hot Chocolate

Hotties Hot Chocolate is a small batch producer of luxury hot chocolate, founded by Rueben McFeeters. Made using ethically sourced cocoa beans, there is a range of flavours available from Milk, White, Smores to Salted Caramel, and even a vegan Dark Orange.

NearyNógs Stoneground Chocolates

NearyNógs is Northern Ireland's first bean to bar, craft chocolate makers. Sitting in the shadow of the Mourne Mountains, close to Newry, it’s possible to visit their little factory and enjoy a chocolate tasting along the way.

Their floral Easter Egg, made with 60% Ecuador, Hacienda Limon chocolate is a masterpiece of design (€15.95). The packaging is inspired by the dried cacao pod, and the floral pattern is replicated on the gift tag. It’s naturally gluten free, dairy and vegan. If you’re looking for something smaller, the lovely ‘Some Bunny Loves Me’ 60% chocolate little bunnies are filled with vegan sea salted caramel and cost €7.95

Dublin

Bite Me Brigadeiros

Not 100% chocolate, but definitely 100% Brazilian, Bite Me Brigadeiros brings a touch of South America to desserts and sweet treats. Traditionally, brigadeiros are a ball-shaped sweet, rolled in a topping but Bite Me’s flavours range from pistachio to strawberry and salted caramel.

Butlers

You can’t deny that the little addition of a chocolate when ordering a hot drink at a Butlers cafe is a genius idea. My personal choice is always the Himalayan Pink Salt Caramel. I was amazed to learn that Butlers was founded in 1932 by Mary Butler right in the heart of Georgian Dublin 2, and opened its first shop in 1989 on Grafton Street. Factory tours available in their Clonshaugh location, with a special Easter Experience 2024 running from March 23rd - April 1st inclusive.

Carol Kinsella

Based in Kinsealy, Carol Kinsella is a small family run business that produces a range of chocolates and bars, as well as Easter eggs. Visit their Chocolate Cafe in the Kinsealy Garden Centre or find them in Centra, SuperValu and Donnybrook Fair.

Chez Emily

Chez Emily is the story of Ferdinand and Helena, who moved to Ireland in 1996 and set up their handmade chocolate business that year, naming it after their only daughter Emily. All chocolates are gluten-free, unless otherwise stated, and their dark chocolate inclusion slabs are considered vegan friendly.

Cocoa Atelier

It’s been a while since Cocoa Atelier closed their lovely little retail shop on Dublin’s Drury Street, but they are still going strong from their Park West location, with chocolates and Easter Eggs available through selected retailers (including Avoca and Fallon & Byrne). This year’s Easter eggs are a celebration of choclates from around the world.

Nobó

From their Treathouse location on Dunville Avenue in Ranelagh, Nobó create a range of dairy-free, gluten free and refined sugar free treats using wholesome simple ingredients. Their plant-based chocolate is made using single-origin cacao from a family-run farm in Colombia and uses unrefined Indonesian coconut sugar for sweetness.

Phoenix Delite

Belgian man Pascale Van Riet wanted to send some chocolate to his diabetic mother. Due to a lack of high quality diabetic friendly chocolate in Ireland at the time, he decided to start Phoenix Delite. Look out for him at markets, including Farmleigh Market.

Raizes

Raízes, which means "Roots" in English, is the creation of Liliane, a Dublin-based Brazilian bean to bar chocolate producer, who uses cocoa beans sourced from the Amazon rainforest. Look out for her soon to launch 75% dark chocolate bar.

Spoond

Dublin Emi Takura spent a lot of her childhood in Tokyo, and worked in marketing and product development for brands such as Jameson, Kerry Group and Gem Pack Foods. She set up Spoond, a luxury hot chocolate brand in 2021 which promises a rich and creamy drink. Currently there are two flavours: dark milk and malted milk, and it’s available in premium stockists such as Avoca, Lotts & Co, Ardkeen and Indie Füde.

The Proper Chocolate Company

A bean to bar chocolate maker, the sleek and distinctive packaging and shape of The Proper Chocolate Company’s Easter eggs has become known throughout Ireland.

Galway

Brontelway Pistachio & Chocolates

Started by a young Sicilian couple, Brontelway is an Irish-Italian love affair of chocolate and pistachios. It’s named after the Sicilian town of Bronte, located on the slops of Mount Etna, and home of the much loved Bronte pistachio. Co-founder and pastry chef Ali Jugu, formerly of Glenlo Abbey, uses his experience to craft chocolate bars, pistachio dragèes and hot chocolate.

Grá Chocolates

Founded by Gráinne Mullins, Grá Chocolates has gone from strength to strength. This year’s Easter collection features eight delicious eggs, with shipping available to the United States for the first time ever. Made using ethically sourced Valrhona Chocolate, Casa Luker cocoa butter, large eggs costs €49 each, with Posh Mini Eggs costing €20 for 10 or €35 for 20.

For those who are celebrating Ramadan, Gráinne has just released the Crescent Collection, a range of 4 different chocolates that echo the Middle East, filled with flavours of dates, rose, pistachios and honey.

Part of the gorgeous range of Easter eggs from Grá Chocolates

Ivy House Chocolates

Martha Ryan is the force behind Ivy House Chocolates, which are made near Loughrea in a historic country house. Over the years, she has completed various chocolate courses, including Logre from Kenmare, and earned a spot on Supervalu’s Food Academy Programme.

Kylemore Abbey

It’s not often you get chocolate made by nuns, particularly when it comes from the stunning surrounds of the beautiful Kylemore Abbey. Made by Sr. Genevieve and team in the old home economics kitchens, these chocolates are available for sale at the abbey or online.

Kerry

Bróna

Bróna was started in North Kerry by Dan O’Connor in response to a desire to sell a large range of Irish chocolate bars. As a result, their website now lists an amazing 24 different bars (from Jelly Bean bars to Milk & Mocha, and everything in between) as well as other chocolate products.

Dingle Chocolates

Dingle Chocolates originally started out as a maker of Christmas puddings, but owner Carol followed her heart into the world of chocolate making. Her handcrafted truffles and tasty treats reflect the essence of West Kerry and the enchanting Wild Atlantic Way.

Éalú

Another denizen of the Dingle Peninsula, Éalú Chocolate is a newcomer to the world of Irish chocolate, but owners Kallam and Cliona Moriarty are already award winners for their handmade painted chocolate bonbons. They don’t have a website yet, so follow their Instagram to stay up to date.

Lorge

Frenchman Benoit Lorge has been producing Lorge chocolate in Kenmare since 1995, drawing his inspiration from the beautiful Caha Mountains and the surrounding lakes and bays.

In addition to a beautiful selection of Easter eggs and seasonal items, Benoit also runs a range of 1 and 2 day chocolate courses for both amateurs and professionals.

Skelligs Chocolate

Originally founded in 1996 by Michael and Amanda McGowan, Skelligs Chocolate has grown consistently over the years, and was purchased by The McKillen Corporation, a company connected to property developer Paddy McKillen and his family in 2022.

Their distinctive packaging though, continues to remind us of their origins, with a nice little graphical representation of the Skelligs. Their Easter eggs range from the small & simple (€13) all the way to more indulgent cellophane wrapped beauties (€29.50).

Kildare

Azure Art Chocolate

Founder of Azure Art Chocolate Paloma’s mission is to bring happiness to her customers in the form of delicious and breathtaking chocolates. Orders can be placed via WhatsApp and can be shipped all over Ireland.

Buíoch

Like several others in this article, Buíoch (the Irish word for gratitude) was born during the course of the pandemic when chef Ryan lost his job and teamed up with friend Daryl. Now there are 24 different options available, including the fun “Make-A-Mega Bar’ option.

L’Art du Chocolat

Nicolas Bateau is originally from Bayonne in France, a city known as the chocolate capital of France, he co-founded L’Art Du Chocolat in 2013. A range of fine chocolates and French patisserie is available for sale from their shop on Maynooth’s Main Street.

Lily O’Brien’s

Lily O’Brien’s is an incredible Irish success story, having been started by Mary Ann O’Brien from her kitchen in 1992. Over 30 years later, it’s an internationally recognised brand, available widely across Ireland and the UK, offering a balance of quality and affordability.

Kilkenny

Truffle Fairy

You just have to love it when one local business recommends another one. In this case, Lekker Food Co of Thomastown were quick to point me in the direction of Mary Teelan’s Truffle Fairy. Her handmade single origin truffles have won at Blas na hÉireann and come in different sizes boxes, as well as vegan-friendly versions.

Laois

Temptation Chocolates

Temptation comes from self-taught twin sisters Kate & Ruth O'Hara, who, in the midst of the pandemic, left careers in accounting and finance in Dublin to turn their chocolate making hobby into a business in early 2021.

Their glossy, large indulgent Easter eggs (Banoffee Luxury or Salted Pistachio anyone?) cost €45 with individual mini-eggs at €4.50 each or bunnies for €4. In their patisserie in Abbeyleix, try one of their 14 varieties of hot chocolate.

Orange & Hazelnut Crunch Filled Mini Bunny from Temptation Chocolates

Leitrim

Elements of Chocolate

At Elements of Chocolate, each chocolate is hand shelled and can take a number of days to create. For each filling, ingredients are sourced locally in the North West, nationally and with care from around the world. As they say themselves, “ We Do Not Take Short Cuts”.

Limerick

Braw

Anna Coffey Lynch founded Braw in 2020 when this former pastry chef and chocolate maker found herself out of work due to the pandemic. She uses Luker chocolate, and all the packaging is biodegradable or recyclable. Order online for shipping or for collection from their Limerick location. Look out for Bren the Bear with his biscoff rocky road centre or The Golden Rabbit.

Longford

Torc Chocolates

Based in Longford Town, Torc Café and Food Hall is an award winning Irish café which offers good food, and their own range of chocolates and treats, which are also available to buy online.

Mayo

Ashford Castle

The annual Easter Egg from Paula Stakelum is always a stunning affair. Paula is Executive Director of Chocolate and Patisserie at Red Carnation Hotels, which includes the luxury Ashford Castle.

This year’s egg is made using Ashford Castle’s signature Valrhona ‘Legend’ 55% milk chocolate and filled with ‘Legacy’ 29% chocolate shards. Each egg is decorated with a precise replica of the brass knobs affixed to each shutter in the castle. Priced at €75, the eggs are available exclusively from Mrs Tea’s Boutique & Bakery on the Ashford Castle estate (in store only) from March 1st.

Marlene’s Chocolate Haven

Celebrating its 20th birthday in June of this year, Marlene’s Chocolate Haven is an integral part of Westport’s food scene. Owner and chocolatier Marlene has a wide range of Easter items available, with the option to personalise for the recipient.

Noo

Based in Ballina, Noo produces lovely, affordable chocolates that use the very best of local and Irish ingredients. I enjoyed their chocolates so much that I featured them in a recent Recommended article.

Van Velzes

Irish woman Deborah and Dutchman Rob opened their first chocolate shop in Amsterdam in 2008, but ultimately they relocated to Ballinrobe. Van Velzes uses ethically sourced cocoa in their chocolates, and their Easter range includes eggs as well as a range of gift boxes.

Meath

Bohó Nibz

Bohó Nibz comes from Karen, a Columbian who is hand making and hand painting her delicious chocolates in Navan. Look out for her gorgeous Easter fairy.

Lir Chocolates

A long established Irish chocolate business, Lir was founded in Dublin’s East Wall by Connie Doody and Mary White in 1987, and later moved to a large premise in Navan, Co Meath. Even though the pair sold Lir in 2007 (now owned by German Group Zertus), Connie remained involved all the way though to 2020, and passed away in 2022.

These days Lir are a commercial brand instead of artisan, but are a good choice for a well-priced egg that’s a step above the standard offering. As well as their own brand, they also produce a selection of eggs in conjunction with Baileys and Guinness, with prices ranging from €10 - €15.

Monaghan

Glaslough Chocolates

In a story repeated many times on this page, Glaslough Chocolates was established in 2013 by chocolatier Trish Murphy-Thom when she returned to her home village of Glaslough. She is now based in a small shop, just a short distance away from the entrance to Castle Leslie estate.

The aim is to keep recipes simple and free from artificial flavour enhancers, colours and preservatives, using only fine, sustainably sourced Belgian chocolate, local honey and fresh Monaghan cream and butter. Hazelnuts come directly from an organic, sustainable farm in Italy.

Tara Gartlan

Former Michelin-starred pastry chef Tara Gartlan has been building her reputation as a luxury chocolatier and patissiere, who caters particularly for the gluten-free and coeliac market.

This year she will have two giant luxury eggs available and shipping nationwide for the first time. Choose from a milk chocolate hazelnut rocher egg (€56) and a dark chocolate passionfruit caramel egg (€52), both filled with truffles.

Roscommon

Roscommon Chocolate Co

Originally started by American Karen Gordon, the Roscommon Chocolate Company was taken over by Benny’s Deli on her retirement. Under her tuition, they learned to make handmade artisan chocolate truffles from fine milk and dark Belgian chocolate.

Sligo

Clo Artisan Chocolates

Frenchwoman Clothilde Rambaud has made Sligo her home, along with husband Tomasz. She has an incredible range of experience including the Michelin 2* La Table de Joel Robuchon in Paris, and over the years has collected numerous accolades including, Best in Sligo from Blas na hÉireann in 2021.

Her very affordable Clo Chocolates Easter range features an incredibly cute sheep (see below, €15.95), and a praline Easter Egg (€14.95).

Waterford

Chocolate Gold

Originally a Master Engraver for Waterford Crystal, Anthony is the chocolatier behind Chocolate Gold. He now produces from a purpose built kitchen in Dunmore East

Cocoa by Judit

Judit McNally, former owner of the now-closed Ormonds Cafe, has over 20 years of experience working with chocolate and sweet treats. Based in Dungarvan, Cocoa by Judit can be found in local shops, including The Wine Buff.

Victoria’s Incredible Edibles

Victoria’s Incredible Edibles is a small business founded in 2019 by Victoria Wilmott. Her ‘Déise Delights’ are made with Muldoon Whiskey Liqueur, and are part of a small range of chocolate treats and preserves.

Westmeath

Bon Chocolatiers

Irish chefs Georgia and Daniel are classically trained, and have built up their business of beautiful, hand-painted and incredibly delicious Bon chocolates. This lovely young couple have some strong experience behind them, including Michelin Starred restaurant Campagne and Bib Gourmand restaurant Thyme, and they now work with Dunnes Stores to produce items for the Simply Better range.

Their decadent Easter eggs range from €43-€50, with mini-eggs for €11 - €16.50. This year also sees the launch of new bite-size eggs in two delicious flavours.

Bon Chocolatiers’ Pretzel Crunch Easter egg

Sugar Plum Sweetery

Owners Denise and David started Sugar Plum Sweetery in 2021 to complement their existing business Wholesome Kitchen. With a branding and colour scheme reminiscent of a certain mad cap fictional chocolate factory, it’s truly a feast for the eyes.

Wexford

Bean & Goose

Sisters Karen and Natalie Keane started their business from a home kitchen in 2014, and now employ 11 people from a unit in Gorey. I visited there last summer, when it was pretty quiet, but I can only imagine how much busier it is in the run up to peak seasons.

Bean & Goose have become known for their iconic Easter hare and goose, which are available in both milk and dark chocolate, priced at €25.50. There’s also a sea salted caramel goose egg, again in both milk and dark chocolate, also €22.50.

Earth Food

Earth Food was founded by Maxim Costic, a Moldovan who has settled in Wexford Town. Having learned the art of chocolate making from Lorge in Kenmare (see Kerry section), he processes raw cacao nibs to make this chocolate, which has no added sugar, milk or preservatives. Try his range of chocolate covered macadamias, golden fruits and medjools or 100% cacao blocks.

Zaeire

With a name that pays homage to her home country of South Africa, Leigh Kelly has turned her chocolate hobby into Zaire, a highly successful and popular business. In 2021, she opened her shop in Bridgetown, and produces a range of affordable, luxury chocolates for adults and children alike. Easter eggs start from €13.95

Wicklow

Nibbed Cacao

Nibbed Cacao was founded by aunt-niece duo, Lisa Kleiner and Anna O’Sullivan, in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic. As a holder of a Degree in Nutrition and a Masters Degree (MSc) in Sport and Exercise Nutrition from the University of Ulster, Lisa was hugely interested in the health benefits of cacao, leading to the creation of this small, bean to bar company.