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The Chocolate Garden of Ireland – A Sweet Stop in County Wicklow

Beyond being a chocolate shop and cafe, the Chocolate Garden of Ireland can take you ‘behind the scenes' of chocolate making. Participate in a Chocolate Workshop and learn where this tasty treat comes from, why really good chocolate costs more and even make your own souvenir chocolate to take home!

Chocolate Garden of Ireland
In the Workshop room at the Chocolate Garden of Ireland

A Sweet Stop at the Chocolate Garden of Ireland

If not for the incredibly thorough itinerary suggestions from IrishTourism.com, the Chocolate Garden of Ireland would have remained unknown to me.  Located in Tullow, County Wicklow, this is a terrific stop as you head south from Dublin.  Handmade chocolates, sweet biscuits and even Tipperary Ice Cream are all made here and are fresh in the shop.

Handmade Chocolates at the Chocolate Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow
Choose your chocolates by the piece…

Choosing what to buy can be a bit difficult – everything looks so amazing!  Chocolates can be purchased pre-packaged (and make a terrific gift!) or by the piece.  I highly recommend the award winning Dark Chocolate Salted Caramels, or the truffles with Irish Whiskey, Honey & Brandy or Irish Cream.  The girls were partial to the molded chocolates in shapes like puppies, flowers and fancy high heeled shoes.

Or enjoy a dish of ice cream.  Favorite flavors like Chocolate Truffle and Cookies & Cream share the freezer more exotic temptations like Mango and Irish Cream & Brown Bread (which is just amazing).

Tipperary Ice Cream - made at the Chocolate Garden of Ireland
Tipperary Ice Cream – made fresh on site

After making your selections, relax at one of the cafe tables with a cup of tea or hot chocolate as you nibble one of the tasty treats; or let the kids run out some of their energy on the playground while you sit and watch.  There are even covered picnic areas where you can enjoy your snacks.

Playground at the Chocolate Garden of Ireland
Let the kids run and play on the playground just outside the shop.

Attend a Chocolate Workshop

With a tiny bit of advance planning, you can attend a Chocolate Workshop.  This hands on class is perfect for kids as it includes chocolate tasting, a short history of chocolate, and even a chance to make your own souvenir chocolate to take home!  Parents can participate as well, or just relax and enjoy a cuppa in the cafe (if the kids are old enough to be unsupervised).

Our workshop was led by Louise, who exuberance and love of chocolate made even the history part of the workshop fun for the girls.  Filled with hands on experience and chocolate tastings, the chocolate workshop ( €12.50 per person) was great fun!  

Where Cocoa Comes From - at the Chocolate Garden of Ireland
Where cocoa comes from
Cocoa Nibs- at the Chocolate Garden of Ireland
What cocoa smells like before it is chocolate
A brick of pure chocolate - at the Chocolate Garden of Ireland
The average Irish person eats 12 kilo of chocolate per year – not quite as much as this brick of pure chocolate weighs
Making chocolates - the Chocolate Garden of Ireland
Chocolate making demonstration
Huge Chocolate Egg - at the Chocolate Garden of Ireland
The largest item made at the Chocolate Garden. By special order; often used for parties, celebrations and events.
Painting a chocolate bear - at the Chocolate Garden of Ireland
All chocolates at the Chocolate Garden are hand painted.
Hand painting chocolate- the Chocolate Garden of Ireland
You must be very exact.
Chocolate bears- at the Chocolate garden of Ireland
Painted, filled with chocolate, shaken and rolled, the bears are ready to chill out for a bit
Chocolate Workshop certificates- the Chocolate Garden of Ireland
Workshop complete!

 

 Tips for Visiting the Chocolate Garden of Ireland

The Chocolate Garden of Ireland is located 3 miles outside Tullow on the R725 (toward Shillelagh) Note:  While the address is County Carlow, the Chocolate Garden is located in County Wicklow.  GPS coordinates: N52° 79.56’ W6° 66.18’The Chocolate Garden is open daily:

Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm
Sun 1 – 5.30pm

Call ahead for workshop schedule or book online.

Can't make it to the Chocolate Garden of Ireland?  You can buy online.  

 

 

 

 

Jody Halsted
Follow Along

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6 Comments

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  4. Great post…but you had me at “Chocolate” and “hands on” 😉
    It’s little gems like this that make family vacations so memorable.

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