Get ready to taste, smell and enjoy Ireland’s sweet side!
From the wild coasts of Kerry to the breathtaking Burren Mountains, Ireland is home to some of the world’s most innovative and delicious chocolate makers.
If craving a luxurious bean-to-bar experience, Hazel Mountain Chocolate, Ireland will gladly accommodate. Moreover, if you feel like a hands-on workshop where you create your own chocolate masterpiece or just a cosy café serving award-winning hot chocolate, they have it all.
Think free tastings, gluten-free treats, and eco-friendly production practices that make every bite as sustainable as it is scrumptious. Join us as we explore five of the country’s finest chocolate factory havens—each with its own story, charm, and flavourful creations.
Hazel Mountain Chocolate
Dún Aonghasa, perched dramatically on a 300-foot cliff on the southern edge of Inis Mór, is a prehistoric marvel that transports visitors back in time. This semi-circular stone fort, enclosed by massive dry-stone walls, is thought to date back to 1500 BC, making it one of Europe’s most significant archaeological treasures.
Overview
Nestled at the foothills of the Burren Mountains along Ireland’s iconic Wild Atlantic Way, Hazel Mountain Chocolate is more than a chocolate factory—it’s a destination for chocolate lovers. As Ireland’s only bean-to-bar chocolate maker, they craft luxurious creations using sustainable cacao beans sourced directly from small-scale farmers across the globe. Their award-winning products, recognised by the Academy of Chocolate, have captured the hearts of foodies worldwide, including Nigella Lawson.
Visitor Experience
At Hazel Mountain Chocolate, visitors can step into an open-plan factory to watch skilled chocolatiers hand-paint truffles, create Irish milk chocolate, and perfect vegan chocolate masterpieces. Their café, voted one of Ireland’s top 10, offers freshly baked organic pastries, gluten-free treats, and delicious cakes crafted by chocolatier and cookbook author, Kasha. Don’t miss their famous hot chocolate, a rich indulgence that lives up to the hype.
Sustainability
The factory’s eco-friendly approach ensures minimal processing and maximum flavour, blending rich cacao with local ingredients like milk from grass-fed cows. This dedication to sustainability not only supports farmers but also delivers an unparalleled taste experience in every bite.
Contact
Hazel Mountain Chocolate is located along the Wild Atlantic Way, at the foothills of the Burren Mountains. For more information, visit their website or plan a trip to experience the magic firsthand. While exploring the region, you can also visit the Hazel Mountain chocolate factory as part of this Burren & Cliffs of Moher Tour.
Opening Hours
Hours vary; check their website for the latest details.
Skelligs Chocolate
Overview
Nestled on the wild west coast of Ireland, Skelligs Chocolate calls the scenic St. Finian’s Bay its home. Founded in 1996, this family-run chocolate factory is deeply connected to its rugged surroundings. The untamed beauty of the Atlantic coastline, where waves crash and winds dance, serves as the primary inspiration for their chocolate creations. What sets Skelligs apart is their dedication to crafting products that reflect a sense of place, using locally sourced ingredients to create flavours inspired by the Atlantic Ocean. Every bar and treat tells a story of community, adventure, and innovation.
Visitor Experience
A visit to Skelligs Chocolate is more than just a chocolate tasting—it’s an immersive experience. Guests can enjoy free chocolate tastings without needing to prebook, and their on-site café offers a chance to relax with a coffee while soaking in the coastal views. Accessibility is a priority, with a fully accessible facility and quieter visiting hours (10–11 am) for neurodiverse guests. Located just 300 metres from St. Finian’s Bay beach, the factory is easy to reach from Caherciveen or Waterville via the R566 road. Whether you’re savouring their chocolate or enjoying the dramatic coastal scenery, Skelligs Chocolate delivers a uniquely Irish experience that combines flavour, tradition, and a connection to nature.
Contact
Skelligs Chocolate is located at V23 HP64, St. Finian’s Bay. For assistance, call 066 9479119 or +353 66 9479119.
Opening Hours
Open daily: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Chocolate Garden of Ireland
Overview
Located on the picturesque Carlow-Wicklow border, The Chocolate Garden of Ireland has been delighting visitors with handcrafted chocolates and premium ice cream since 2001. Founded by Jim and Mary Healy, this family-run business takes inspiration from the lush beauty of Ireland’s garden county, offering an immersive experience for chocolate lovers of all ages. Originally starting with waffles, the Chocolate Garden evolved to include artisanal chocolate-making in 2008, later launching their own line of Tipperary Ice Cream and sorbets.
Visitor Experience
The Chocolate Garden is known for its gluten-free chocolate facility, ensuring peace of mind for customers with coeliac conditions or intolerances. Visitors can enjoy interactive workshops, where they’ll discover the art of chocolate-making, or relax in the on-site café and ice cream parlour. Whether it’s a family day out or a solo indulgence, the warm atmosphere and quality treats make every visit unforgettable.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a core value, with initiatives like solar panels, biodiversity projects, and a commitment to sourcing ethically produced cocoa through the Cocoa Horizons Programme. Locally, they embrace environmentally friendly measures, including compostable packaging and efficient water use.
Contact
The Chocolate Garden is located in Rath, Tullow, Co. Carlow, R93 PY82. For details, call 059 648 1999 or email info@chocolategarden.ie.
Opening Hours
Open daily: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wilde Irish Chocolates
Overview
Nestled in the heart of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands on the shores of Lough Derg, Wilde Irish Chocolates brings a playful spirit to the art of chocolate-making. Based in Tuamgraney, Co. Clare, this family-run factory has been crafting handmade Irish chocolates for over two decades, delighting visitors with its inventive flavours and unexpected filling combinations. Known for their creativity, they encourage customers to create “Wilde Moments” by exploring their scrumdiddlyumptious range of treats, which dare to be different.
Visitor Experience
The Chocolate Factory Ireland takes pride in is a multi-sensory delight, where visitors can enjoy the sweet aroma of melting chocolate, watch expert chocolatiers in action, and even build their own chocolate bar during a hands-on workshop. Their Chocolate Factory Experiences are suitable for all ages and offer a fascinating glimpse into the magic of chocolate production. After your chocolate factory tour, indulge in the Hot Chocolate Café, which serves eight varieties of hot chocolate alongside handmade treats, coffee, and tea. The factory shop, brimming with goodies, is a must-visit for chocolate lovers.
Contact
Wilde Irish Chocolates is located in Tuamgraney, Co. Clare, V94 83X2. For further information, visit their website or stop by during opening hours.
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Insider Tip
Plan your visit around sunset for the most dramatic photo opportunities. The warm light enhances the rugged beauty of the castle and surrounding landscapes, creating an unforgettable scene.
Butlers Chocolates
Known as Poll na bPeist, or “The Wormhole,” this perfectly rectangular blowhole on Inis Mór is a natural marvel carved by the relentless power of the Atlantic Ocean. Its sharp, geometric edges appear almost man-made, but this formation is entirely the work of nature.
Overview
Founded in 1932 in Dublin, Butlers Chocolates has grown into Ireland’s premier family-owned chocolate maker, celebrated for its luxurious confections and enduring commitment to craftsmanship. From its humble beginnings under Marion Butler, the company has expanded into a global name, known for luxury chocolate assortments, creamy toffees, rich fudge, and award-winning hot chocolate.
Visitor Experience
Visitors can explore the Butlers Chocolate Factory in Dublin for a magical behind-the-scenes experience, including a 90-minute tour that showcases the artistry behind their chocolates. Highlights include a guided walkway over the factory floor, a chocolate-tasting session, and the chance to decorate your own chocolate novelty. The tour also offers insights into the company’s history and the fascinating journey of the cocoa bean.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a key priority, with Butlers being a proud member of Origin Green. The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, promoting ethical cocoa sourcing, and implementing environmentally friendly practices throughout its operations.
Contact
Butlers Chocolates is located in Clonshaugh, Dublin. For more details about tours or products, visit their website or find one of their 24 Chocolate Cafés across Ireland.
Opening Hours
Factory tours: Monday to Friday (hours vary, pre-booking required)
Final Words
From the wild coasts of Kerry to the hidden heartlands of Clare, Ireland’s chocolate factory culture offers much more than just sweet treats. They’re places where passion, tradition, and sustainability come together to create an experience that’s as rich as the chocolates themselves.
Whether you’re savouring handcrafted truffles, watching chocolatiers at work, or sipping an award-winning hot chocolate, each visit promises indulgence, innovation, and a little slice of Irish magic. So why wait? Plan your journey to these chocolate havens and discover the delicious stories waiting to be told.
