The Chocolate Factory

The Chocolate Factory Dublin is one of the city’s most distinctive creative spaces. Located in a historic former confectionery factory on King’s Inns Street, this Dublin 1 building is now home to artists, designers, photographers, makers, musicians and independent creative businesses.

Despite its name, The Chocolate Factory is not a chocolate museum or a working chocolate factory offering public tours. Instead, it is a lively creative hub where Dublin’s industrial past meets its contemporary arts, food and design scene.

From chocolate factory to creative hub

The building was originally occupied by Williams & Woods, a Dublin confectionery company that produced well-known treats including Toblerone and Mint Crisp. Its industrial history remains an important part of the building’s character, with high ceilings, exposed materials and large, light-filled spaces.

In 2012, The Chocolate Factory began its next chapter as a shared creative community. Its studios have since provided working space for people involved in art, illustration, photography, design, jewellery, music, film, craft and small-batch food and drink production.

What can you do at The Chocolate Factory?

The Chocolate Factory is a working creative building rather than a traditional visitor attraction with a fixed exhibition or self-guided route. What visitors can experience depends on the events, workshops and activities taking place at the time.

The building regularly provides a setting for creative workshops, exhibitions, product launches, markets, photoshoots, networking events and other cultural gatherings. Some activities are open to the public, while others are private, so it is worth checking the official website and social channels before making a special journey.

Visit Blas Café

Blas Café is the most accessible way to experience The Chocolate Factory during an ordinary visit. Located on the ground floor, the spacious café serves coffee and homemade seasonal food in relaxed surroundings decorated with work by resident artists.

The café’s combination of high ceilings, industrial details and creative atmosphere makes it a good place to meet friends, enjoy lunch or take a break while exploring Dublin’s north city centre.

Creative studios and events

The upper floors contain studios occupied by working artists, designers and small creative businesses. These are active workplaces and are not normally intended for casual public browsing unless an open studio, workshop or special event has been announced.

The building also includes a large industrial event space used for exhibitions, launches, conferences, fashion events, photography and filming. Public events offer an opportunity to see more of the building and discover the work of its creative community.

Planning your visit

The Chocolate Factory is located at 26 King’s Inns Street in Dublin 1. The easiest ways to experience it are to visit Blas Café or attend a scheduled event, exhibition or workshop.

Opening hours and public access can vary, particularly when private events are taking place. Check current information with The Chocolate Factory or Blas Café before travelling.

The Chocolate Factory is especially worth discovering if you are interested in Dublin’s creative culture, independent design, industrial architecture or unusual places away from the city’s conventional tourist trail.