From Michelin-starred kitchens to the heart of County Monaghan, Tara Gartlan has turned her passion for pastry into one of Ireland’s most exciting artisan chocolate brands.
A trained pastry chef with a background in some of Europe’s top fine dining restaurants, Tara launched Tara Gartlan Chocolate in 2022 with the support of the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Monaghan. What began with handmade bonbons crafted during lockdown has grown into a multi-award-winning brand, shipping across Ireland and the UK.
Tara’s vision was clear: to create gluten-free chocolates and baked goods that never compromise on taste, quality, or style. With help from LEO Monaghan through mentoring, training, and a Trading Online Voucher, she launched her e-commerce site and built a brand that now includes corporate gifting, custom wedding favours, and seasonal collections using the best of Irish produce.
In 2025, Tara clinched 8 Great Taste Awards, including a coveted 3-star award for her Brown Butter Cakes, an incredible achievement for a first-time entrant.
Tara’s journey proves that with skill, passion, and the right local support, sweet dreams can become a thriving business reality. With Tara’s drive and ambition, her business is poised for continued growth.
Follow Tara’s journey on Instagram: @taragartlanchocolate
Explore her award-winning collections at: www.taragartlan.com
