Dublins most delicious experience: The Butlers Chocolate Factory Tour
Dublin has some really exciting experiences around the city. But one that stands out the most is the Butlers Chocolate Factory. Located in the Clonshaugh Business Park, just a short drive from the heart of the city. Butlers offers a fascinating blend of history, craftsmanship, and indulgence, all wrapped in layers of rich, velvety chocolate. If you’re looking for one of the most unique and exciting days out in Dublin. Then this should definitely be at the top of your list.
The History Of Butlers Chocolates…
Butlers Chocolates began its journey in 1932 when Marion Butler founded the company in Dublin. Named after its creator, Butlers started as a small, family-run business, producing handmade chocolates. Marion’s dedication to using only the finest ingredients and her passion for crafting exquisite, artisanal chocolates quickly gained attention. Butlers’ early products were sold in small shops throughout Dublin. They soon became a local favourite for their quality and richness.
In the late 1950s, the company was sold and Marion’s legacy of chocolate making continued. Butlers expanded its operations and launched the very first Butlers Chocolate Café. The cafés soon became on of the most popular cafes in Ireland. And offered customers a chance to experience Butlers chocolates with indulgent hot chocolates and coffee beverages.
The Chocolate Factory Tour…
The Butlers Chocolate Factory tour is around 1-2 hours long and starts from the moment you walk in the door. The tour begins with a warm welcome in the visitor’s centre. As you check in you’ll collect your aprons and hairnets. So you can get fully ready to be a Butlers chocolatiere . To kick off the tour you will start with a short movie about the history of Butlers. The story of Marion Butler and the growth of the company is brought to life through video presentations. A knowledgeable guide explains how the company has remained a leader in chocolate innovation while staying true to its roots.
This introductory session also sets the stage for the interactive part of the tour. You’ll learn about the origins of chocolate itself. How it evolved from the sacred drink of the ancient Mayans and Aztecs into the luxurious treat we know and love today. You’ll also hear about the ethical sourcing of cocoa beans, as Butlers is committed to sustainable and fair trade practices.
The Factory Tour
After the history lesson of Butlers you will then be taken to one of the most exciting parts of the tour, the Butlers factory. Here you will be able to take a look behind the scenes and see exactly where all of the iconic Butlers chocolates have been made.
Visitors are taken on a guided tour of the production area, where Butlers’ skilled chocolatiers work their magic. You’ll see various stages of chocolate making. From the roasting of cocoa beans to the intricate process of molding and filling chocolates.
One of the highlights of this part of the tour is watching the artisan chocolatiers create Butlers’ famous hand-finished chocolates. These artists painstakingly decorate each piece by hand, adding the delicate details that make every chocolate a work of art. The level of craftsmanship involved in producing Butlers chocolates is just incredible. You can really see how it adds to the value of each piece. Of course as the workers are only working during the week I would advise trying to book a tour for the weekday. So you can really see them work their magic.
The Butlers Chocolate Museum
After being taken through the factory, you will then be brought through the small Butlers Chocolate Museum. This section of the tour dives deeper into the history of chocolate. From its origins in ancient Mesoamerican cultures to its transformation into a beloved global indulgence. The exhibits are engaging and informative, with plenty of interactive elements like finding out the dessert that suits your personality.
One particularly interesting display is the collection of vintage packaging from the Butlers early days. You can see how the brand and design have evolved over the decades and it offers a nostalgic look at the company’s growth.
Decorate Your Own Chocolate & Tasting
Of course, no chocolate factory tour would be complete without sampling some of the Butlers chocolate. And Butlers certainly doesn’t disappoint on. Throughout the tour, you’re encouraged to sample a variety of chocolates at different stages of production. The tasting starts early on and continues throughout the tour. With the opportunity to try a wide variety of Butlers chocolates, so make sure your coming here with an appetite.
For the most popular part of this tour and probably the part that everyone enjoys the most is the opportunity to decorate your own chocolate bear. Each visitor is given a blank chocolate bear, along with piping bags filled with white chocolate for decorating. This is such a fun activity even for adults, I found it a great way to end the tour and use your chocolate knowledge throughout the tour and put it to the test. You have around 30 minutes to completely decorate your bear and at the end of it you can take your bear home to enjoy later on.
The Butlers Chocolate Café Experience
If at the end of the tour you are still craving some chocolate or tea you can take a stop by the Butlers Chocolate Café, located on-site at the factory. The café offers a wide range of hot and cold beverages, many of which are infused with Butlers’ signature chocolates. From hot chocolate topped with whipped cream to creamy mochas, you’ll be sure to find something to end off the tour.
If you’re craving more than just a drink, the café also offers a selection of chocolate treats, including pastries, cakes, and freshly made chocolates.
Practical Information…
Location: Butlers Chocolate Factory is located at Clonshaugh Business Park, Dublin, approximately 20 minutes from the city center.
Tour Duration: The tour lasts about 90 minutes, including the museum and decorating experience.
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the factory itself, but it’s recommended to book ahead, especially during weekends and holidays.
Accessibility: The tour is fully accessible to visitors with mobility issues, and the staff is more than happy to accommodate any special requirements.
Conclusion…
A trip to the Butlers Chocolate Factory Tour is an absolute must for anyone looking for a unique day out. This tour offers an insightful look into the history of Butlers and how they have become a household name with people around the world enjoying their chocolates and cafe to this day. Their chocolate decorating workshop is by far the most exciting part of this tour and gives you a really unique token to take home as well as a great birthday party option for kids. I would say as an adult the tour is is great fun but the decorating experience is more aimed towards children with the demonstrations but it is still such a fun experience.
This is a really popular experience so I would advise to try and book online a few weeks in advance as its sure to sell out fast especially during the peak season like Easter, Halloween and Christmas.