ChocoNeill Handmade Chocolates

Quality chocolate production is on of Ireland’s biggest recent artisan success stories, and Aughnacliffe, Co Longford is a very special destination for chocolate connoisseurs as this is where Jamie and Beatrice O’Neill make the outstanding ChocOneill range at their workshop in Dunbeggan, Aughnacliffe (+353 (0)86 212 8067; www.choconeill.ie).

They specialise in single origin chocolate and use fresh, seasonal ingredients, so the range is constantly changing and has a shorter shelf life than most chocolates – all adding to the sense of special treat. While new products are added on a regular basis, they are particularly known for their sumptuous truffles and pralines.

Scrupulous attention to detail is the O’Neills’ hallmark, from the selection of ingredients – including single bean (Criollo, Trinitario and Forastero, from Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador and Madagascar) and single plantation plain chocolate, and also local Irish seasonal ingredients such as fresh raspberries and Wicklow honey – to the care taken with hand tempering and individually dipping their chocolates, to give them ‘perfect shine and snap’, and beautiful, thoughtfully designed packaging.

A charming speciality – although the contents will vary – is their Boîte en Chocolat (Chocolate Box), which is made like a proper lidded box or an Easter egg, with a 70% chocolate or milk chocolate shell encasing a selection (or your personal choice) of fresh chocolates, truffles and pralines. This saves on wasteful packaging – and means that almost every scrap of what you buy can be eaten, right down to the last finger-licking chip!

Choconeill also do a range of special occasion chocolates such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas, wedding favours, chocolate hampers and corporate gifts – its seems there is nothing this talented team has overlooked, and they also like nothing better than the challenge of a special commission if you want something different.

Almost all current products can be bought at Naas Farmers’ Market (Saturdays); online from their excellent website (weekday courier service, from as little as €6), or directly from the workshop - visit by appointment on weekdays, please phone in advance. [Also at: 6D Lakelands, Naas, Co. Kildare.]