Willy Wonka doesn’t work here… there are no Oompa-Loompas… and there’s no magic ticket, but there’s a factory and it’s full of chocolate. This is the Skellig Chocolate Factory and here you’ll find lovely concoctions like chilli pepper chocolate, lime zest chocolate, and various typical sweet varieties.
Directions to the factory are rather vague (from locals)… drive towards Portmagee… past the pubs on the road out of town… over the mountain… past several roadside shrines, and just after the holy well you’ll find what you are looking for. In the end, the directions were surprisingly accurate.
As we arrived, so did a cavalcade of motorbikes, who rode out of the mist like a large and loud monstrous beast. Looking tough and road-weary, it seems they had a soft sweet side because they came for lunch and a cup of Skellig hot chocolate.
While they dined, we partook in a chocolate tasting and watched the ladies make chocolate with great skill and grace. The floor plan is open and the sweet smell of candy permeates out of every nook and cranny. With the quick flick of a wrist and the spin of the tray, the ladies had chocolate swirls… and we had a sample. Next came the truffles and then mint chocolate. Most are gluten-free.
And the best part… the play park (for burning off sugar energy) and beautiful views.
