Move over Willy Wonka, step aside Switzerland. For the best chocolate factories in the world, look no further that our own doorstep, with no golden ticket required …
Hazel Mountain Chocolate, Bell Harbour, Co Clare
Tucked into the limestone folds of the Burren, Hazel Mountain Chocolate is not your average bean-to-bar operation. For starters, it’s one of the smallest and most remote chocolate factories in Europe. Secondly, everything here is gluten-free, and they keep it small-batch and sustainable, with ethically sourced cacao and traditional stone-grinding methods. You can tour the micro-factory, learn about the bean-roasting process, and hit the café for single origin hot chocolate and cacao-infused bakes. Bonus points for the gorgeous drive through the Burren’s winding limestone roads. www.hazelmountainchocolate.com
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Wilde Irish Chocolates, Tuamgraney, Co Clare
Named after Oscar, made in the wilds of East Clare, Wilde Irish Chocolates has been crafting small-batch bars and unique flavour combinations for over 20 years. Ever tried seaweed and lime chocolate or lavender and rose bars? You can here. Their factory in Tuamgraney is open to the public, where you can peer behind the curtain and see the chocolatiers in action, while making your own bespoke bars to take home. There’s a tasting room, naturally, and a shop that’s dangerously well-stocked. Don’t forget to stop off at the hot chocolate café. www.wildeirishchocolates.com
Skelligs Chocolate, Co Kerry
Perched dramatically on the edge of the Atlantic in Ballinskelligs, Skelligs Chocolate is the Willy Wonka dream reimagined. You can watch the chocolate-making process in action through large glass panels, chat to the team, and sample your way through their truffle trays with absolutely no judgement. Their open-plan chocolate factory also has a cosy café for a hot chocolate and a panoramic view that’s almost as indulgent as the treats. Skelliggs Chocolate will always have a place in my heart for being the first chocolatier (to my knowledge) to make my childhood wish come true and create a completely filled Easter egg. Heaven. www.skelligschocolate.com
Lorge Chocolatier, Kenmare, Co Kerry
Lorge is what happens when a French chocolatier settles in the wilds of Kerry to make magic. Founded by Benoit Lorge, this small workshop is revered for its elegant handmade chocolates, inspired by his native France with Irish ingredients. The factory is unassuming, yet the flavours are sublime. You’ll find everything from passionfruit ganache to whiskey truffles lining the display cabinets, but the highlight is the hands-on chocolate-making classes. These run regularly and give you the chance to play chocolatier for a day: tempering, piping, and taste-testing. Ideal for couples, families or anyone looking to upgrade their Easter (or, indeed, just chocolate) game. www.lorge.ie
For a more polished affair, Butlers’ visitor centre in North Dublin is a slick, family-friendly set-up that delivers on both fun and flavour. You’ll get a 90 minute guided tour through their full chocolate-making process (complete with hairnets, of course), try your hand at decorating a chocolate figure, and wander the exhibits that trace their 90-year history. The chocolate equivalent of a greatest hits album, it’s glossy and packed with genuinely interesting chocolatey facts. www.butlerschocolates.com
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