Inspired by Escape to the Chateau; Our 5 Year Journey from Kitchen Table to Candle Barn
Five years ago, Kildare Candle Barn began with a simple spark — a quiet empty nest creative project after the children had flown the nest for university. What started as a kitchen table hobby in the County Kildare rural countryside, surrounded by wax, wicks, and cups of tea (and sometimes red wine after early frustrating attempts ended up in the Sweeney Candle Graveyard!). The brand has now grown into a thriving Irish candle brand loved at home and abroad. Initially self taught after watching Angel making candles on Escape to the Chateau, months of self teaching and ultimately training with a UK award winning candle maker, founder Jackie quickly had to leave her safe salaried position in the tech industry to "take a punt" on scaling the business.
Today, we’re proud to say that our hand-poured scented candles travel far beyond our little barn — from shelves across Ireland to container shipments heading to the US. It’s a journey built on craft, community, and the enduring comfort of scent. Just this week, we have shipped to all corners of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, the USA and Switzerland.
Hand poured Irish Soy Wax Candles designed to Evoke Memories
Every candle we make still carries the same care and intention as those first few poured by hand. Our goal has always been simple:
To create fragrances that feel like home — that spark warmth, nostalgia, and quiet happiness every time they’re lit.
My first candle Spiced Orange mastered after months of testing is still my favourite 5 years later. When I light this candle I am instantly transported to happy childhood Christmas Eves where my mum painstakingly studded clementine oranges with cloves and cinnamon sticks and the house smelt divine, helped also by her freshly baked home made mince pies. Maybe I'm taking a few shortcuts by lighting this candle and serving shop bought mince pies but life is busy and the house smells just as good!
Our curated Irish-inspired collections are designed to evoke memories of comfort, laughter, and belonging. Whether it’s the earthy scent of Irish Turf, the cosy embrace of Hot Whiskey, or the wild green freshness of the flat plains of The Curragh, each candle tells a story of Ireland in its own way.
These are not just scents — they are moments captured in fragrance. They remind us of turf fires after a rainy walk, of gatherings with family, and of that familiar feeling of being home, no matter where you are in the world.
Lighting the Way from Ireland to the World
From small market stalls to a nationwide family of stockists, and now to customers overseas, every step of this journey has been guided by your support. Each review, message, and repeat order has helped us grow while keeping true to our roots —handmade, hand poured, Irish, and heartfelt.
Our candles have found their way to homes across Ireland and far beyond — often sent as gifts from the Irish Abroad, tokens of nostalgia, or reminders of special places and people. That connection — the ability to bring comfort and memory through scent — is what continues to inspire us every day.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As we celebrate five years, we want to thank everyone who has supported Kildare Candle Barn — from our very first customers to the stockists who proudly showcase Irish craftsmanship, and to our growing community abroad who bring a little piece of home into their lives through our candles.
We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but even more excited for what’s ahead. Our journey continues with the same heart, craft, and care that started it all — right there at the kitchen table.
Go raibh maith agaibh go leir - thank you all for five wonderful years.
— From all of us at Kildare Candle Barn