Stock up on these special treats for the season that’s in it …
Handmade by Clotilde Rambaud, each Easter egg from Clo Chocolate blends French craftsmanship with Irish charm. From whimsical chocolate hens to her signature caramel and marshmallow wrapped bunnies, these indulgent treats are available at Le Fournil Bakery, Kate’s Kitchen and Shells in Co Sligo, Ardkeen in Co Waterford, Fallon & Byrne in Co Dublin, and Avoca nationwide.
Lucky Lamb is handmade in Sr Genevieve’s Chocolate Kitchen at Kylemore Abbey, and is more than just a tasty Easter treat. One in every 50 lambs contains a special prize, giving the recipient the opportunity to win a chocolate-making workshop with chocolatier Veronica Davin at the Abbey. Good luck!
Inspired by the hotel’s resident eagle owl, Dingle, Ashford Castle’s Easter egg was created by Paula Stakelum, Global Director of Chocolate & Patisserie at Red Carnation Hotels. She has crafted the exterior Valrhona ‘Legend’ 55 per cent milk chocolate hand-painted to replicate the patterns of his plumage. Inside is a layer of ‘Legacy’ 29 per cent hazelnut chocolate, combined with biscuit caramel available at Mrs Tea’s Boutique & Bakery in Co Mayo. Also check out a display in the Oak Hall about Dingle’s incredible story and his life on the estate.
Harry Lowes handcrafted Easter eggs are layered with hazelnut spread and sea salt caramel in a milk chocolate shell on an Italian hazelnut praline base. They’re available online and at Harry Lowes Chocolate Boutique at Adare Manor in Co Limerick where customers can also find hazelnut and praline milk chocolate bars.
Lir Chocolates are made in Navan, Co Meath and are proud to have removed plastic coverings in their packaging. New to its collection are Baileys Chocolate mint truffle eggs and salted caramel mini eggs, plus Guinness chocolate eggs.
Co Kildare-based Lily O’Brien’s has refreshed its packaging and all luxury egg cartons are now fully recyclable, with no plastic apertures or cavities. For truffle enthusiasts, we recommend the signature twist-wrapped chocolate or salted caramel truffle Easter eggs.
It wouldn’t be Easter without Butlers: sustainably sweet for tablescaping, egg hunts and snacks al desko! I particularly love the White Salted Almond & Butterscotch eggs, the ideal mix of nuttiness and sweetness.
Lidl Ireland’s Deluxe eggs are handcrafted by Co Cavan-based Áine’s Handmade Chocolates. The premium range includes milk chocolate mint, orange, salted caramel or honeycomb, white chocolate with raspberries or strawberry and marshmallows, and dark chocolate with coffee. What a pick-me-up!
BONUS EGGS
The viral Dubai-style pistachio-filled chocolate egg is available to order from Grá Chocolates, but be warned that limited eggs are in stock, so they won’t last long! The Pistachio Emerald – as founder Gráinne Mullins has donned it – is the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy.
The Ivy in Co Dublin has launched its first ever Easter egg, a must for fans of the popular restaurant. The egg consists of a beautifully designed tin filled with Belgian chocolates, making it the perfect gift or keepsake.
The posh alternative to a chocolate egg is one of Irish designer Louise Kennedy’s limited edition Georgian Eggs, available at The Merrion Hotel Dublin and Ballyfin Demesne in Co Laois. Filled with the scent of freshly picked verbena with notes of citrus and a subtle hint of bergamot, this precious treasure will last forever.
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