Is it just us, or does anyone else think it feels like it was only two minutes ago we were putting the Christmas decorations away for another year? One festivity ends and another is soon to begin. Easter is upon us. Easter falls earlier this year, which would explain the bombardment of Easter eggs already in the shops.

Floppy-eared bunny-shaped chocolates and sweet-filled Easter eggs are beckoning to be bought. Little chocolate chicks and eggs wrapped in pastel-coloured shiny foil are tempting the kids. Popular brands are mass-produced and usually imported. Ireland now has a reputation for the finest handcrafted chocolate, produced here by the specialist chocolatiers we know and love at Good Food Ireland. We firmly believe the chocolates they make are the best chocolates in Ireland!

Our chocolate makers spend hours creating perfect handcrafted edible treats from the finest chocolate in the world. They employ time, flair and expertise to make their works of art, especially for your delectation. And their imaginations run riot when it comes to making Easter goodies!

Here’s a brief run-down of our chocolatiers, where to find them and what they do!

Read more about the Artisan Chocolate Makers in Ireland

Koko Of Kinsale

Produced with an assortment of local ingredients, Frank Keane expertly creates and flavours his handmade artisan chocolates from his shop in Kinsale, Co.Cork. Frank creates the most beautiful and delicious handmade chocolates from his chocolate shop in Kinsale, Co. Cork. Being a very creative person, Frank combines his excellent artistic abilities with the art of chocolate making. His handmade chocolates are so beautiful that you feel just a bit guilty about breaking them into pieces and enjoying them immensely. While you will always find the favourite chocolate flavours in numerous delicious chocolate products in his shop you will also get the chance to sample chocolates made of an enticing mix of exciting flavours. These include locally sourced seaweed along with other local ingredients including locally distilled spirits.

Chez Emily

Husband and wife team Helena and Ferdinand Vandaele run Chez Emily chocolates from their home in The Ward, Co. Dublin. Ferdinand is the chocolate maker. Helena works beside her husband in their chocolate shop and cafe, named after their daughter. This business is the product of a fine love story between these two wonderful people, and Ferdinand’s work is inspired by his passion for the job. This Easter at Chez Emily, expect lots of handmade and decorated eggs, bunnies, chickens and other seasonal figures, all handmade from the finest dark, milk and white chocolate. Personalise a chocolate egg or bar for your loved one, or discuss a bespoke piece if you really want to push the boat out.

Wilde Irish Chocolate

Up in the wilds of rural Clare, this chocolate production and shop really has the right name! Patricia Farrell and her team are merry little workers, beavering away in a tiny chocolate production house in the country, weaving the most wonderful magic with the dark stuff…and the milk…and the white…You can even see this happening right in front of your eyes when you call into the shop. The Wilde Irish Chocolate team will be busy behind the counter, working with the very best, velvety smooth melted chocolate, to dip marshmallow sticks, finish truffles, make bars and other favourites in this range. As well as busying themselves with Easter treats this time of year. The fragrant seductive smell of chocolate winds its way out the door of this place and right up your nostrils, so you won’t have difficulty finding the shop. Your nose will take you there! Find Patricia and the team at Tuamgraney, North Clare.

The Chocolate Garden of Ireland

In Tullow, in rural Co Carlow, close to the border of southwest Wicklow, Jim and Mary Healy own a chocoholics paradise! A beautiful chocolate boutique and cafe which elegantly shows off its wares. Their chocolate production facility right here on-site brings Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to life! The Chocolate Garden of Ireland chocolates come in all shapes, sizes and styles. From hand moulded figurines to little truffles and filled chocolates, logoed bars and chocolate lollipops. At Easter, you’ll find eggs to suit all chocolate tastes, beautifully boxed. Presentation gifts of chickens filled with eggs and bunnies and chicks and all things spring, hampers and chocolate gift boxes, all presented and wrapped exquisitely. Who could resist that? Wander and browse at will and meet Jim and Mary. You can also grab an ice cream – they make that here as well. Some people have all the fun!

Written by: Good Food Ireland®