These excellent Irish chocolatiers can supply the perfect Easter eggs for all the family …
THE BEST IRISH EASTER EGGS 2024
For squirrelling away
Some call her creations works of art and for Easter 2024, Paula Stakelum, Global Director of Chocolate and Patisserie at Red Carnation Hotels has created a masterpiece from Valrhona “Legend” 55 per cent milk chocolate and filled with “Legacy” 29 per cent chocolate shards. The exterior of the egg mirrors the intricate grain of wood on the wooden shutters that grace The Connaught Room, where Ashford Castle serves its afternoon tea. Every egg is adorned with a brass knob, a replica of the knobs that are intricately affixed to each shutter. The origin of these brass knobs can be traced back to 1852 when Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness acquired the castle and initiated a restoration project. During this time, shutters were added, contributing to the castle’s decorative grandeur. Priced at €75, the 2024 edition of Ashford Castle’s Easter eggs are available exclusively from Mrs Teas Boutique & Bakery on the estate. Guests staying at Ashford Castle during Easter will receive this magnificent egg as a gift to take home; www.ashfordcastle.com.
For flower lovers
This chocolate floral egg by NearyNógs, Northern Ireland’s first bean to bar chocolatiers is made with ethically and sustainably sourced chocolate (60 per cent Ecuador, Hacienda Victoria cacao to be precise). It is described as “a bright floral chocolate with notes of caramel, cream and sweet fruit” and comes in an eco-friendly tub, €15.95; www.nearynogs.com.
For tablescaping
If you are already planning your Easter table, then the perfect accompaniment is one of these prettily wrapped eggs in pastel colours from Butlers Chocolates, which come in four sizes. The largest size is €16.50. Do check out its Glorious Easter bundle too, in a reusable jute bag. This includes an assortment of chocolate eggs and gifts, available at Butlers Chocolate Cafés and online; www.butlerschocolates.com.
For after dinner
Grá Chocolates’ Easter collection, created by Gráinne Mullins and her team, is made from ethically sourced Valrhona chocolate, Casa Luker cocoa butter and Irish cream and butter. The Easter eggs are meticulously made and created in small batches, with each chocolate taking three days to make and finish. This Mint To Be egg, €49, is handprinted in shades of dark and light green in a milk chocolate shell with peppermint. Inside are mint fondant chocolates, perfect for after dinner. These luxury eggs are stocked in Brown Thomas Grafton Street, Brown Thomas Galway and Brown Thomas Dundrum and are also available to order now at www.grachocolates.com.
For treats or cake decorations
Hazel Mountain Chocolate are small batch producers with an adorable range for Easter. If you like chocolate hens, then Henrik, €9.95, will appeal and has joined the flock. These Dark Chocolate Bunny bites €4.50, are creamy, smooth and without a bitter after taste. They’re ideal as a little treat or as a decoration on an Easter cake; www.hazelmountainchocolate.com.
For hostess gifts
Skelligs Chocolate’s extensive range includes a solid hazelnut praline egg, a dark chocolate solid whiskey egg, as well as hampers. The Sunny Side Up Hamper, €30, includes a chocolate surprise, milk chocolate egg, white and milk chocolate bar and chocolate lollipop – handy to have if you are popping round to visit friends or neighbours over the long weekend; www.skelligschocolate.com.
For gourmets
Frank Keane opened the doors of Koko Kinsale in 2012 and has been perfecting his craft ever since, using only the finest chocolate from around the world and locally-sourced ingredients. He makes his Easter eggs above his small shop. No two eggs are exactly alike, €20, which makes them even more special; www.kokokinsale.com.
For savouring
As well as Bean & Goose’s now iconic Easter Hare and Goose, €25.50, there are lots of spring gift bundles, and chocolate sharing slabs. These make great gifts and come in boxes which are decorated with illustrations of Irish landscapes by Anna O’Hara. Made from the finest, rarest cocoa in the world, these chocolates will last long after Easter. I believe they are best eaten with an espresso as a daily treat; www.beanandgoose.ie.
For value
Did you know Lidl’s Deluxe range of eggs is made by Cavan supplier, Aine’s Chocolates, which has been in business for over 20 years? The eggs range from honeycomb with milk chocolate, and raspberry with white chocolate, to dark chocolate or mint, €9.99. Pick up some of Lidl’s Ruby Port while you’re shopping – wine connoisseurs recommend pairing this with dark chocolate eggs especially; www.lidl.ie.
For dessert
Lily O’Brien’s Desserts Collection Eggs, €16, includes nine delicious chocolates from the Lily O’Brien’s much loved Desserts Collection including crème brulée, raspberry infusion and Key Lime Pie. Alternatively, try the new Milk Chocolate Egg with Salted Caramel Truffles, €13, which is sure to appeal with an espresso after Easter lunch; www.lilyobriens.com.
MORE TREATS FOR THE WEEKEND
For Easter egg hunts
Pop into Aldi this week and you’ll find great value decorations (from garlands to LED trees, now officially a thing), crafting kits and flowers. Our top pick is its Easter egg kit, €3.99, which includes everything you need for a fun-filled Easter egg hunt at home; www.aldi.ie.
For artisan lovers
At The Farm Shop at Killruddery, Co Wicklow, chocolate lovers will find a wide selection of artisan Easter eggs and treats sourced from Lir Chocolates, Nibbed Cacao, and Chez Emily, among others. Chocolate bunnies and a variety of vegan options are available too. While you’re stocking up, do get some tickets for Killruddery’s Easter Treasure Trail and Family Weekend, €13.50, in aid of the DSPCA; www.killruddery.com.
For pet lovers
From the now iconic Walter the Puppy, to his best friend Curly The Puppy, M&S have added to its adorable animal range with Coco the Kitten, Flossy the Highland Cow and Dougal the Westie, all made in marbled white and milk chocolate, as well as a diary-free bunnies. Don’t give to any puppies though! www.marksandspencer.com