With just two weeks to go to Easter you may be doing some last minute searches for delicious chocolate treats. If you want to buy chocolate made in Ireland and support local, then you’re in luck. As you’ll see, there’s no shortage of amazing Irish chocolate producers to choose from.
It’s wonderful to see so much top quality and delicious chocolate being produced in Ireland right now. Whatever your fancy, you’re sure to find a new favourite in the list below which includes plenty of vegan, ethical, bean-to-bar and eco-conscious choices.
1. Áine Hand Made Chocolate
Based in Stradone Village in Cavan, Áine Hand Made Chocolate was founded in 1999 by Master Chocolatier Ann Rudden. Ann’s vision was to create melt-in-the-mouth chocolate made with the purest, freshest and natural ingredients.
Today, there is a passionate team behind the brand creating delicious Truffles, Irish Crème Liquers and chocolate bars which are sold in Ireland and throughout the world.
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2. Lorge Chocolatier
[Ethical, Eco-conscious]
Lorge Chocolatier was established in Kenmare in 2003 by Benoit Lorge, a Pastry Chef from France. He renovated the old Post Office in Bonane, Kenmare where the factory and a retail outlet are based and there’s also a second retail store in Kenmare town.
Benoit is passionate about using the best quality raw ingredients in his chocolates and is committed to environmental sustainability and sourcing ethical raw materials. Visit the online store to choose from a selection of chocolate boxes, bars and other chocolate treats. Try the Adam and Eve boxes, containing 7 handmade chocolates for the special man or woman in your life!
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3. The Proper Chocolate Company
[Bean-to-bar, Ethical, Vegan options]
Dublin’s only bean-to-bar chocolate maker, The Proper Chocolate Company, was founded in 2016 by Patrick and Kelli Marjolet. Their chocolate is created in micro-batches and they source the finest beans which are then carefully roasted to release their optimum flavours.
The cocoa beans are sourced from suppliers who support sustainable, environmental and fair trade practices. Visit The Proper Chocolate Company online shop to try some of their unique flavours including a salted caramel blond chocolate which looks and sounds just divine!
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4. Glaslough Chocolate company
Based in the picturesque and historic village of Glaslough, Co. Monaghan, Glaslough Chocolate was established in 2013 by chocolatier Trish Murphy-Thom. Trish creates her handmade, small batch chocolates in the cutest little shop right in the centre of the village.
Her delicious products are made with the finest Belgian Chocolate and natural ingredients. The majority of ingredients are sourced locally including fresh Monaghan cream and butter and local honey. You can purchase the award-winning chocolates online including handmade truffles, chocolate bars and shards, fresh cream fudge and more.
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5. Nobó
[Vegan, Ethical, Eco-conscious]
Nobó was established in 2012 with the aim of creating handmade delicious, conscious treats using simple plant based ingredients and minimal processing.
Their dairy-free chocolate bars and chocolate buttons are made with ethically sourced cocoa and are up to 50% lower in sugar compared to standard milk chocolate.
The chocolate bars are available in Smooth and Creamy, Salty Caramel and Coconut while the chocolate buttons are available in five flavours including Orange, Mint Crunch and Salted Almond Butter. Keep an eye on the online store for the addition of their half dozen easter egg boxes too! Free shipping throughout Ireland is currently available on orders over €35 too.
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6. NearyNógs
[Bean-to-bar, Ethical, Eco-conscious, Vegan options]
Nestled between the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea, NearyNógs is a family business and Northern Ireland’s first bean-to-bar producer.
The factory, which enjoys stunning views of the Irish Sea, Carlingford Lough and Mourne Mountains is now solar powered and all packaging is either made from recycled materials, is biodegradable or can be recycled.
Shop online for chocolate bars, truffles, fudge, caramel cups and more.
NearyNógs also offer a monthly chocolate subscription so you can send a delicious care package to yourself or someone you know and love who needs a regular fix!
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7. Chocolatey Clare
[Vegan, Ethical, Eco-conscious]
Chocolatey Clare vegan chocolate bars and hand-painted chocolate bonbons are handcrafted in Ireland using 100% natural ingredients. The cacao is sourced from suppliers who work with humanitarian, environmental and charitable projects.
The bars come in six flavours which all sound so delicious and include Simply Strawberry, Mint Crème and Lemon Crunch. You can try them all in the Pack of Six or just order your favourites. The chocolate bonbons are a new edition and look just divine. At time of writing there was a 20% discount so there’s no better time to give them a try!
The packaging is also fully compostable, making these chocolates a delicious zero-waste treat.
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8. Wilde Irish Chocolates
At Wilde Irish Chocolates in Co. Clare over 80 different chocolates are hand made to perfection. They have been creating their delicious products since 1997 and have a small artisan factory in Tuamgraney, in the scenic surrounds of Lough Derg.
Visits to the factory are encouraged (when permitted again!) and entry is free. In the open plan production area, you can watch the chocolates being made and packed and you might just be lucky enough to get a taste too. Wilde Irish Chocolates can be purchased at their shop in Doolin, the Doolin Chocolate Shop and in their Limerick shop located in the Milk Market in the heart of the city. You can also purchase direct from their online store.
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9. Grá Chocolates
Grá Chocolates is a brand that was only established during the pandemic and has made a very big impact in just a short time. Once you see their dreamy products it doesn’t take long to realise why. Each individual chocolate is like a piece of art!
Head Chef and founder Gráinne Mullins has channelled her experience as an expert pastry chef into creating mouth-watering chocolates, each with their own unique aroma, texture and flavour.
Hand made in small batches in Kilchreest, Co. Galway, Grá Chocolates are also hand-painted and take three full days to create. Locally and ethically produced ingredients are sourced to create the inspiring flavours for each filling.
If you want to gift something a little extra special this Easter, get in quick and pre-order one of their incredible Luxury Easter Eggs.
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10. Bean and Goose
[Ethical, Eco-conscious, Vegan options]
Bean and Goose was established by sisters Karen and Natalie Keane. Based in Wexford, their delicious chocolate is inspired by their surroundings and the Irish seasons and landscapes.
Seasonal, natural ingredients are used, including those grown in their garden or foraged locally. Bean and Goose also work with other Irish suppliers like Tara Hill Honey and Connemara Organic Seaweed Company.
The unique flavours include Salty Almond and Sweet and Spicy Hazelnuts, with vegan vegan options such as the Sour Cherry Orchard or Umami Seaweed dark chocolate bars. There is also a subscription option, the Tasting Club, which delivers two 70g bars to your door or to a loved one each month.
Their beautifully illustrated packaging is recyclable or compostable, while the mailing bags are biodegradable.
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11. Skelligs Chocolate
[Vegan Options]
I can’t say that I’ve tasted all the chocolates mentioned in this list (though I am working on it!). However Skelligs Chocolates are definitely one of my tried and tested favourites.
Based in Ballinskelligs, just off the Ring of Kerry, their location is just as divine as their chocolates! No trip around the Skellig Ring is complete without a stop at the factory for taste testing and some treats. So be sure to put it on your list of things to do when we can travel again.
There are so many great flavours and chocolates to choose from but some of my personal favourites are the Strawberry & Champagne Truffles and the Rose & Pistachio chocolate bar. So, so good!
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12. Hazel Mountain Chocolate
[Bean-to-bar, Ethical, Vegan options]
Located along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Hazel Mountain Chocolate is one of the smallest and most remote chocolate factories in the world. The boutique bean-to-bar factory opened in 2014 on a 300 year old family farm in the Burren, where there is also a shop and café. There’s also a second retail store in Galway city centre.
Made in small batches, Hazel Mountain Chocolate is inspired by the Irish landscape and created with simple, sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients. The limited edition Wild Atlantic Easter Egg is a work of art. There are plenty of other Easter treats available in the online store along with the luscious year round offerings of chocolate bars, truffles and delicious hot chocolate.
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13. The Chocolate Garden of Ireland
The Chocolate Garden of Ireland takes its name from Wicklow, Ireland’s garden county as it was originally established in Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow in 2001. However, since 2009 the award-winning family business has been based in Carlow.
With a café, shop and ice cream parlour on the premises, this is definitely one to visit when we can travel again. In the meantime you can satisfy your chocolate cravings by filling up from the online store.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique experience for a group, you can get in touch to book a Virtual Chocolate Tasting Experience. Bookings are offered for groups of 15+.
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14. Exploding Tree
[Bean-to-bar, Ethical, Eco-conscious, Vegan options]
Based in Clonakilty, Co. Cork, Exploding Tree is a family business with a passion for ethical business practice, community connection and of course chocolate!
From the beginning of their journey they have used 100% Fairtrade cocoa and coconut sugar. Almost a decade ago they made the switch to ensure their packaging could be composted or recycled. They also do everything in their power to keep their carbon footprint down, choosing not to have a car or fly to overseas trade shows.
Exploding Tree has a range of delicious handcrafted bars in minimal packaging designed by a local artist. Visit their online store to check out the full range, including lots of vegan choices. There’s also the option of the Choco-Lovers Subscriptions – send 3 or 6 months of delicious chocolate treats to someone special, or yourself!
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15. Chez Emily
[Vegan options]
Chez Emily Handmade Chocolates was established in 1996 by Ferdinand and Helena and is named after their daughter. Their handmade chocolates are still produced from original family recipes, resulting in some very scrumptious Irish Belgian chocolates.
My brother bought a box of these chocolates at Christmas and was crazy enough to share them with us. They were so, so good. I’ll definitely be ordering some but I’m just not sure I’ll be sharing them with anyone!
Chez Emily has two retail stores, located in Ashbourne, Co. Meath and The Ward, Co. Dublin. You can also purchase their artisan chocolates, chocolate slabs, truffles and more from their online store.
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16. Magic Mayan
[Bean-to-bar, Ethical, Eco-conscious, Vegan]
Magic Mayan Artisan Chocolate is another family run business based in Co. Clare. They offer a large variety of handcrafted dark chocolate bars to delight your palate. With flavours such as Creamy Cashew, Bee Bliss, Raspberry Rendezvous and Cacoa Pura, there’s sure to be a new favourite for everyone in the audience!
The cacao used is raw, organic and ethically produced while the end products are vegan, gluten-free and minimally processed. The packaging is plastic free and recyclable. What’s not to love!
You can also create customised packaging for individual bars, which is perfect for gifting, wedding favours or any occasions. Subscribe on the website if you fancy a 10% discount on your first order.
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17. Truffle Fairy
Established in 2005 by Professional Chef Mary Teehan, the Truffle Fairy team create delectable chocolate truffles, bars and more.
Everything is handmade in the kitchen of the Thomastown store, Co. Kilkenny using all-natural ingredients. Where possible, ingredients are sourced locally. There’s also a second Truffle Fairy store on Ormonde Street in Kilkenny.
While you might not be able to visit the stores right now, you can thankfully purchase their award winning range of products online. The hard part will be waiting for your order to arrive!
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18. Koko of Kinsale
[Vegan options]
Based in the picturesque town of Kinsale, Co. Cork, Koko of Kinsale was established by Frank Keane in 2012. Offering an impressive range of handmade artisan chocolates, the business seems the perfect fit for the town which has become a mecca to foodies!
Shop their bars, chocolate boxes and more in the online store. There are plenty of vegan options to choose from and even a yummy (palm oil free) hazelnut and chocolate spread.
The Easter range includes beautiful hand painted eggs, Easter Bunnies and Koko’s very own version of the ever popular Creme Egg. Get in quick before they’re gone!
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So, whether you’re treating yourself or someone else, you’re spoilt for choice these days when it comes to delicious, Irish made, quality chocolates. If you have any particular favourites or know of any other Irish chocolate makers that need to be included in this list, please let us know in the comments and share the love!
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