CoCo Bo, A Chocolate Heaven on O’Connell Street
Written by Situated in the heart of DublinTown a stones throw from the spire the chocoholic heaven of CoCoBo will make you change how you look at a bar of chocolate.
Not only is a must for a chocolate lover its also one of the finest examples of beautiful Dublin architecture in DublinTown. Number 65 & 66 on O’Connell St. CoCo Bo Dublin was originally two town houses before being turned into a commercial building by Standard Life in 1860. The former bank has been transformed due to a vision by Martin Ryan who spoke to us about CoCo Bo.
What does chocolate mean to you?
Joy, happiness, fun, treats, love, memories, gifts, good times!
Would you describe yourself as the Irish Willy Wonker?
Deficiently not. Martin’s infectious enthusiasm for all things CoCo Bo made me ask this question, he may not have the top hat but he does have a fantastic vision for CoCo Bo Dublin which makes me draw the comparison.
What makes CoCo Bo unique from other chocolate shops?
CoCo Bo is the only place in Ireland to create your own bar with your own combinations. Martin spoke about his journey of all things chocolate being inspired by a book called ‘The Chocolate Wars’ which he bought in a second hand book shop in Raheny. This book changed how he thought about a chocolate bar and sewed the seed for his vision of CoCo Bo.
How long have you had the idea of CoCo Bo?
6 years I was waiting for a beautiful building and location. In 2011 a friend of Martin brought to his attention number 65 & 66 O’Connell St. that was up for sale due to the then owners Danske Bank who were pulling out of Ireland. When viewing the former bank Martin was able to see his vision of CoCo Bo which phase one is now a reality.
What discovery’s have you made in CocoBo Dublin?
We have discovered that O’Connell St. is a much more diverse and interesting street than it is given credit for and that CoCo Bo has been given a fantastic welcome. A discovery on the exterior of the building that Martin spoke about is a pediment of the biblical scene about the wise and foolish virgins. This was a very early example of subliminal marketing by Standard Life in 1860. Another interesting fact about CoCo Bo Dublin given its proximity to the GPO its one of the few buildings to survive the 1916 Rising on O’Connell St.
The spire is a common meeting ground for many people why not meet and sit outside CoCo Bo and enjoy some chocolate, ice cream or simply a coffee. Support an Irish owned company who are proud to support Irish businesses including Lir Chocolate of Navan and Feathered Farm Ice Cream from Wexford. CoCo Bo is a fantastic edition to O’Connell St. we look forward to checking back in with Martin for phase two of his vision. CoCo Bo left me rethinking how I look at a chocolate bar and this is exactly what CoCo Bo want you to experience. Martin’s phase 2 and 3 plans for CoCo Bo Dublin will only further emphasise how differently you will view a bar of chocolate and we cannot wait to see it.
Go in-store today to make your very own, or visit CoCoBo.ie for more temptation.
