Overview

Skelligs Chocolate is a small handmade chocolate factory in The Glen, Ballinskelligs, set on the edge of St. Finian's Bay with views across to the Skellig Rocks. It bills itself as the most westerly chocolate factory in Europe, and is Ireland's only fully open-plan chocolate production facility, meaning visitors can watch chocolate being made from the same room as the shop and café.

The business is Irish family-owned and has built a following both locally and among visitors to the Skellig Coast thanks to its unusual location, genuine craft production, and free tasting experience. The setting, tucked between mountains and sea on a stretch of coast otherwise known for its wild, remote character, gives the visit an unexpected quality - chocolate is not what you typically expect to find at the end of the Skellig Ring.

What You'll See

The main room combines the production floor, reception area, café, and tasting area into one open space, so visitors can watch chocolatiers at work without a separate tour. A free chocolate tasting is offered with no pre-booking required, walk-ins welcome - the tasting takes only a few minutes and is genuinely generous.

The range spans creamy milk chocolate and classic dark through to more unusual flavours including sea salt and chilli, Irish whiskey, Vanilla Ganache, Strawberry and Champagne, and seasonal options such as Lemon Truffle in summer and Irish Coffee or Hot Toddy with Chilli in winter. Luxury gift packaging features boxes hand-painted by local artists with seascape and countryside scenes. The café serves coffee and hot chocolate alongside the chocolate tasting.

Visitor Essentials

Entry and tasting are free. The facility is fully accessible and most visitors spend 30 to 60 minutes on site.

Tips

Plan your visit around the Skellig Ring scenic drive - Skelligs Chocolate sits roughly mid-loop, 300 metres past the St. Finian's Bay beach as you come from the Ballinskelligs direction.

The surrounding area is exceptional - St. Finian's Bay beach is just next door for a short walk, and the Kerry Cliffs and Ballinskelligs Beach are both within a 10-minute drive. Evening light on this stretch of coast is particularly striking, and some visitors recommend timing a stop for later in the day once crowds have moved on.

Official Site: https://skelligschocolate.com