Dublin is famous for its history, its pubs, and its literary greats but for anyone with a sweet tooth, the city hides an attraction that’s pure Willy Wonka: Butlers, The Factory Tour (formerly known as the Butlers Chocolate Experience). Tucked away in Clonshaugh, Dublin 17, this working chocolate factory invites visitors behind the scenes of one of Ireland’s most beloved chocolate brands. Pair the tour with a stay at The Green Isle Hotel, and you have the makings of a genuinely memorable Dublin break.
What is the Butlers chocolate factory?
Butlers, The Factory Tour is a guided, 90-minute journey through a real working chocolate factory and yes, there are complimentary tastings along the way.
The experience begins in the Butlers chocolate cinema, where a short film traces the origins of chocolate from the Aztecs right through to Butlers’ own story. From there, you’ll wander through the interactive chocolate museum, packed with memorabilia, artefacts and a rainforest experience that follows the cocoa bean’s journey from pod to praline.
The highlight for most visitors is the glass-panelled walkway above the factory floor. From this bird’s-eye view, you can watch Butlers chocolatiers at work as bars, fudge, toffee and boxes of luxury chocolates take shape below. A live chocolate demonstration follows, showing how individual chocolates are enrobed, filled and finished by hand.
Before you leave, you’ll don a lab coat and mob cap, step into the experience room, and decorate your very own chocolate novelty to take home a firm favourite with children and adults alike.
Ticket prices: Adult and child tickets are €16.95, seniors €15.25, and a family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) is €58. Children under three go free with an accompanying adult. Tours typically run Tuesday to Friday at 10am and 1pm, and Saturday at 12pm and 2.30pm advance booking is essential, and note that full production doesn’t run at weekends or on bank holidays.
History and Heritage of Butlers Chocolates
Butlers Chocolates was founded in Georgian Dublin in 1932 by Marion Butler, whose handmade chocolates quickly earned a devoted following. Nearly a century later, the family-owned brand has grown into an Irish institution, with its signature truffles, pralines and famous hot chocolate enjoyed in Butlers Chocolate Cafés across the country and far beyond. The factory tour brings that heritage to life and the onsite café and shop are the perfect spot to stock up on a box (or two) before you head back to your hotel.
Getting to Butlers from The Green Isle Hotel
The Green Isle Hotel sits on the Naas Road in Clondalkin, with direct access to the M50 which makes reaching Butlers in Clonshaugh refreshingly simple. The drive takes around 25–30 minutes via the M50 northbound, with free parking available at the factory. If you’d rather leave the car behind, our friendly reception team will happily help you plan a public transport route. Check our location and directions page before you set off.
Where to Stay When Visiting Butlers, The Factory Tour
If you’re planning to visit Butlers as part of a longer Dublin trip, The Green Isle Hotel is a practical base. It sits just off the M50 on the Naas Road, which means straightforward access to the factory in Clonshaugh as well as the city centre, the airport and attractions across the wider Dublin area.
Room options depend on how you’re travelling:
- Standard Rooms suit couples or solo travellers who mainly need a comfortable place to rest between days out.
- Family Rooms offer the extra space families need, particularly useful if you’re combining Butlers with other full-day attractions.
- Executive Rooms add more space and amenities for guests staying longer or travelling for work as well as leisure.
The hotel also has an on-site restaurant, which is handy after a full day out especially if you’d rather not head back into the city for dinner.
Tips for Visiting Butlers, The Factory Tour
A few things worth knowing before you go:
- Book ahead – Tours run at set times and regularly sell out, especially at weekends and during school holidays.
- Visit midweek if you can – Full chocolate production runs Tuesday to Friday, so a weekday tour gives you the best view of the factory floor in action.
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early – Tours start promptly, and you’ll want time to check in, park and browse the shop before your slot begins.
- Allow around two hours in total – The tour itself is 90 minutes, but factor in extra time for the café and the chocolate shop afterwards.
- Don’t skip the café – The onsite Butlers Chocolate Café serves the brand’s famous hot chocolate, plus an ice cream you can only get at the factory.
- It works in any weather – The whole experience is indoors, making it a reliable option for a rainy Dublin day.
- Bring the kids or don’t – It’s one of Dublin’s best family attractions, but the tastings and factory views make it just as enjoyable for adults visiting without children.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does Butlers, The Factory Tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, including the chocolate cinema, museum, factory walkway, live demonstration and chocolate decorating session.
2. How much are tickets for Butlers, The Factory Tour?
Adult and child tickets cost €16.95, senior tickets are €15.25, and a family ticket (2+2) is €58. Children under three visit free. Advance booking is essential.
3. How far is Butlers, The Factory Tour from The Green Isle Hotel?
The factory is around a 25–30 minute drive from the hotel via the M50, with free parking on site.
4. Is the tour suitable for children?
Absolutely, with tastings, an interactive museum and the chance to decorate their own chocolate to take home, it’s one of Dublin’s best family attractions. Butlers also hosts birthday parties and school tours.
5. Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Tours run on set times and regularly sell out, so book online through the Butlers website before your visit.