Kasha Connolly
Ireland’s Kasha Connolly is an award-winning chocolatier, author and the founder of Ireland’s first and only bean-to-bar chocolate factory and visitor centre Hazel Mountain Chocolate. Dubbed the “female Willy Wonka” and a true pioneer within the world level of Chocolatiers, Kasha developed a unique approach to her passion for chocolate, creatively celebrating the beauty of pure chocolate. Her creativity is reflected whether in her work on flavours her innovative packaging and product design to her interior design which has seen Hazel Mountain Chocolate become a major foodie tourist attraction. Her brand is widely seen as an example of excellence and was recognised by The Irish Times as one of Ireland’s top food destinations.
Kasha has appeared across Irish and international media, including guest chef features on RTÉ and Virgin Media, Food Network with John Torode, Wunderschön (Germany), Home of the Year, and The Luxury Home Show — where her appearance generated over 250k views across YouTube and Instagram, rising to 4 million across all associated content. Her design-led hospitality work also extends beyond chocolate, with Halka Lodge featured on the Irish Home of the Year show. Kasha has represented Ireland internationally through Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, delivering presentations in Paris and The Hague. Hazel Mountain Chocolate received Gold and Silver at the Academy of Chocolate Awards, leading to extensive print and editorial coverage, including a number of cover pieces.
Alongside the factory, Kasha has introduced The Truffle Room, a new immersive visitor experience weaving together story, place and people – connecting Hazel Mountain Chocolate with the landscape and culture of the Wild Atlantic Way. She also runs the YouTube channel “Food For Stories”, and is a sought-after public speaker, regularly booked for high-profile leadership talks to a variety of engaged audiences. In 2024, Kasha was awarded the Irish Food Hero Award for her contributions to Irish food, craft design and entrepreneurship.
Kasha’s ambition is to continue championing chocolate on the world stage – to contribute to leading food and travel programmes, appear as a guest judge on shows such as The Great British Bake Off, and ultimately develop her own television series showcasing Irish food, craft and creativity at their best.
Babatunde Aléshé samples the local delights at the Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory.
