Between the dramatic Burren Mountains and Galway Bay lies one of Ireland’s sweetest secrets — Hazel Mountain Chocolate, the country’s first and only bean-to-bar chocolate factory and visitor centre. At the heart of it all is Kasha Connolly, often called Ireland’s very own “female Willy Wonka.” Here are five fascinating things you probably didn’t know about this award-winning chocolatier, author, and creative powerhouse.

1. She’s a Chocolatier, Baker, and Author — All Rolled Into One

Kasha Connolly’s journey into chocolate wasn’t exactly planned. Originally from Poland, she moved to Ireland to embrace the culture and improve her English. With a background as a second-generation baker and a master’s degree in American literature and education, she left teaching to take over her husband John’s small café. That’s where her chocolate adventure began, leading to Hazel Mountain Chocolate and three cookbooks, including The Hazel Mountain Chocolate Cookbook, filled with sweet and savoury recipes plus gluten-free options.

2. Hazel Mountain Chocolate is One of Just 2% of Chocolate Makers Worldwide

Most chocolate makers simply melt down industrial chocolate. Not Kasha. At Hazel Mountain Chocolate, the entire bean-to-bar process happens on-site. Kasha and her team source cacao directly from small farms and co-operatives around the world and craft chocolate from scratch. Only around 2% of chocolate makers globally create chocolate this way — making Hazel Mountain Chocolate a true rarity.

3. The Factory is a Must-Visit Chocolate Lover’s Paradise

Step inside Hazel Mountain Chocolate’s glass-walled micro-factory and watch cacao beans transform into delicious bars. Visitors can enjoy factory tours, chocolate tastings, and guided hikes through the spectacular Burren landscape. Kasha’s creations, made with just two or three pure ingredients and full-fat milk from County Cork, have won Gold and Silver medals at the Academy of Chocolate and impressed celebrity chefs like Nigella Lawson and John Torode.

4. Kasha’s Work Has Made Waves in Media and Tourism

Kasha’s chocolates have appeared on The Late Late Show, the Food Network, and Channel 4. She regularly travels with Tourism Ireland to promote Irish food worldwide and has been featured on the covers of The Irish Times Weekend, Irish Independent, and House and Home. Most recently, she launched Food for Stories, a travel and food series filmed at Hazel Mountain Chocolate and her stunning home, highlighting Irish landscapes, artisans, and international guests.

5. She Built an Award-Winning Scandinavian-Inspired Home

As if chocolate mastery wasn’t enough, Kasha also designed Halka Lodge — her breathtaking Scandinavian-inspired home at the foothills of the Burren Mountains. Completed in 2023 with Swedish architect Jon Eliason, Halka Lodge features a Nordic grass roof, minimalist design, and subtle Slavic folk details. It even starred on Home of the Year 2024, Ireland’s most-watched home design show.