5 Great Craft Chocolate Makers in Ireland
Ireland has long been a nation of chocolate lovers — especially the creamy, sugary milk chocolate of nostalgic childhood pleasures. But now, a new generation of movers and shakers are bringing the craft chocolate movement to the Emerald Isle. Drawing from the rich heritage of the landscape combined with 21st-century techniques, and local ingredients, these innovative Irish brands are winning awards and changing the way chocolate lovers see (and taste!) their favorite indulgent treat.
Proper Chocolate Co photo courtesy of Proper Chocolate Co
Based in the storied capital of Dublin, this leading bean-to-bar brand creates classic sweet-shop staples like easter eggs and Valentines hearts with a sustainable, fine-flavor twist. All of their cacao is carefully sourced from suppliers who support the environment and ethical business practices, including regions like Tanzania, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the Caribbean. Plus, they’re not afraid to experiment — like with their special edition whiskey barrel-aged chocolate.
Bean and Goose photo courtesy of Bean and Goose
Bean and Goose Chocolate
This duo of two sisters makes handcrafted chocolate confections at a small Wexford farm — but they have big ideas for the future. Working only with organic, sustainably sourced chocolate, they incorporate local ingredients wherever they can including honey, seaweed, orchard fruit and more. They also have efforts in place to support indigenous communities. For a taste of the countryside, try their Irish Oats & Apple Treacle Ecuadorian bar.
This family-owned bean-to-bar chocolate maker offers a craft chocolate indulgence on the picturesque Wild Atlantic Way, in the wild region of the Burren. Despite their off-track location, they’ve managed to scoop numerous awards for their creations. They work with direct-sourced cacao from regions like Madagascar, Venezuela, Mexico, Costa Rica and Cuba. If you can’t make it to their factory, you can taste the Irish sea yourself with their Madagascan bar with local seaweed and sea salt.
NearyNógs photo courtesy of NearyNógs
NearyNógs
The first bean-to-bar chocolate maker in Northern Ireland, this family business crafts single-origin bars with cocoa from Madagascar, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and more. They also create a range of treats inspired by the country’s history and traditions. You can find flavoured bars, truffles, and drinking chocolate lovingly crafted with local ingredients — such as the fireside-friendly Irish Soda Bread bar made with real Irish soda bread and Brazilian cacao.
Grá photo courtesy of Grá
Grá Chocolates takes their name from the Irish word for love, which infuses every colourful creation. Crafted by an award-winning former pastry chef in the heart of Galway, these chocolates and figures are as visually beautiful as they are tasty. Try their seasonal truffles, or their beautifully hand-painted figurines that bring continental pastry techniques to the Irish coast.
There was a time when Irish after-dinner treats were limited to supermarket checkout bars and the occasional homemade family recipe. Now, a wave of craftspeople with big dreams and a passion for flavor are changing the landscape of fine food. Drawing on culinary training from abroad, relationships with cacao farmers, and local heritage, these Irish chocolate makers are showing that great craft chocolate can be found right here.