Founder Story
From Pastry to Chocolate: Gráinne Mullins’ Journey
Growing up in Galway, I was surrounded by a family who valued great food, which sparked a lifelong love for flavour, craft, and creativity. My first taste of the professional kitchen came as a teenager, working in the pastry section of five-star hotels where what started as curiosity quickly became a calling.
Driven by ambition, I stepped away from a science degree to train in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Aix-en-Provence, France. Two years later, it was clear that food had won my heart.
Back in Ireland, I refined my pastry skills in some of the country’s top Michelin-star kitchens and was honoured to be named the 2019 Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year. In 2020, I channelled my love for food, art, and storytelling into founding Grá Chocolates in my hometown of Kilchreest. Each chocolate we create is a celebration of craft, passion, and the joy of sharing something truly special.
Our Story
Our journey began in 2020, born from a simple passion for creating exquisite, handcrafted confections. Founded by award-winning pastry chef Gráinne Mullins in Kilchreest, County Galway, Grá Chocolates emerged during the quiet stillness of lockdown.
“It all started in my family's shed. With travel plans on hold, I began making handmade Easter eggs to bring a little cheer to friends and family. I shared them online, and the incredible response gave me the hope to turn this passion project into something more. I never imagined it would become the brand it is today.”
At Grá Chocolates, we believe in creating more than just chocolate; we are crafting unique experiences and lasting memories. Our process begins with the finest ingredients the world has to offer: ethically sourced B Corp Valrhona Chocolate, the world’s best dairy local Irish cream and butter, Achill Island Sea Salt, Leahy’s Honey and many other local suppliers. Created in small, dedicated batches, each individual chocolate is a labour of love, taking three days to perfect.
The heart and soul of our brand is this constant innovation and an unwavering passion for quality. For two years, we grew within that shed, expanding our team and our vision. The demand for our creations eventually led us to a new home in a dedicated unit in Galway City. From a single product offering, we have proudly grown into a small business with over 50 distinct product lines, shipping our handcrafted chocolates worldwide. Now, we are embarking on our next great adventure: building our very own pink chocolate factory. As a business that started online, we rarely get to meet our customers face to face. Our new home will change that. We hope to create a destination in the West of Ireland that will not only stimulate the local economy but will bring joy to people of all ages. This state of the art facility will include a visitor centre and shop, inviting you to come behind the scenes and share in our "Grá" for high quality Irish produce.
Our journey isn't just about chocolate anymore. It's about building a community and a destination. We can't wait to welcome you.
Why ‘Grá Chocolates?’
I chose the name Grá because it means “love” in Irish, and for me that word captures the heart of everything we do. It’s a reflection of the love and care that goes into each chocolate we create but it’s also a tribute to the Irish language and culture I’m so proud of. Our heritage is deeply rooted in storytelling, craftsmanship, and connection, and I wanted our name to honour that. Grá is also a quiet nod to my own name, Gráinne which makes it feel even more personal. Every chocolate we make is a celebration of Irish identity made by hand, with purpose, and always with love.
Our Process
At Grá Chocolates, everything starts with the very best ethically sourced Valrhona chocolate, silky undeodourised cocoa butter, and rich Irish cream and butter from local dairies.
Each chocolate is made in small batches over four days, with every step done by hand. We polish our moulds to a high shine before adding our signature hand painted designs each one unique, each one full of personality.
The fillings are made using our own carefully developed recipes, always with flavour and quality at the heart. We use seasonal ingredients wherever we can, inspired by the richness of Ireland’s natural produce.
We don’t take shortcuts because to us, every detail matters. It’s this care and time that makes each Grá chocolate truly special.
The Taste of Happiness
Luxurious and decadent, Grá Chocolates are exquisite artisan confections made with love in county Galway.
Created and crafted in small batches by award-winning pastry chef, Gráinne Mullins, each exquisite chocolate is meticulously made and painted by hand.
Combining the finest raw ingredients with native Irish flavours, it’s time to experience the pure taste of happiness.
