Ashford Castle's 2025 Easter Egg

Here at Ashford Castle, every year we put a great deal of effort into making sure our Easter celebrations leave a lasting impression, and the centrepiece of these celebrations is invariably our Easter egg. This year, our artisan chocolate creation pays its respects to one of the estate’s most beloved residents, Dingle the Owl.

Paula Stakelum, Global Director of Chocolate & Patisserie at Red Carnation Hotels, has once again used her artistry to stunning effect with this annual showpiece of chocolate craftsmanship. Known as Paula Pastry, she has designed this tribute to the legacy of Dingle using the hotel’s exclusive blend of Valrhona ‘Legacy’ chocolate.

For 25 years, Dingle, the Eurasian eagle-owl, has been a familiar and cherished presence at Ashford Castle, and this year’s Easter egg pays homage through an exterior that has been hand-painted to replicate the captivating patterns of his plumage.

Each egg is handmade on the Ashford Estate, with the exterior crafted from Ashford’s exclusive Valrhona ‘Legend’ 55% milk chocolate. Inside is a layer of ‘Legacy’ 29% hazelnut chocolate that is combined with biscuit caramel to create the ultimate taste experience.

In addition to the egg, Ashford Castle will host a dedicated display in the Oak Hall, showcasing Dingle’s incredible story and inviting guests of the hotel to learn more about his life on the estate.

Priced at €75, the 2025 Ashford Castle Easter Egg will be available exclusively at Mrs Tea’s Boutique & Bakery on the estate grounds from now until Easter. Guests staying at Ashford Castle during Easter will be welcomed with an egg in their room on arrival.