The Willy Wonka of the Catholic Church: Inside the Kylemore Abbey chocolate kitchen

Benedictine nun’s Connemara chocolate venture blends faith, craftsmanship and tourism into a unique and growing Irish success story

Sr Genevieve Harrington in Kylemore Abbey chocolate kitchen with the Lucky Lamb made from chocolate. Pictures: Ray Ryan

Sr Genevieve might well be the Catholic Church’s answer to Willy Wonka, having turned what once seemed an impossible dream — opening her own chocolate factory — into reality.

Six years on, and the Benedictine nun’s kitchen at Kylemore Abbey in Connemara is a whirlwind of activity as chef Veronica Davin churns out the nun’s signature “lucky lambs” and luxury chocolate boxes.