Louise Kingston is the owner and creator of Inchydoney Candles, she has lived in Inchydoney her whole life close to her family home, separated by a pedestrian path and a stile!

How are the candles made?

Inchydoney Candles are hand poured and packaged at home in Inchydoney. They are made from eco-friendly soy wax. They do not contain paraffin, lead or stearin. They contain essential oils and fragrance that is not tested on animals. They are made in small batches, by me, at home in an old beautiful cowshed. Any slight variation in the appearance of the candles is intentional.

Where did the idea for Inchydoney candles come from?

When we moved into our house there were beautiful old stone farm buildings. It seemed a great opportunity to do something creative and fun. I had worked in a gift shop and so many people looked for something local. I saw a niche and came up with candles!

Has the current pandemic posed many challenges for you?

The pandemic meant that all my suppliers closed. It’s a big dent in the year. I did get one new customer as a surprise! Box of Smiles! But now I am just catching up with the retailers who reopened last week.

What are you currently working on?

I have made some plans to develop a new liquid soap (organic and palm free!). Maybe a body lotion and a redesign of the website.

You are situated in the beautiful area of West Cork, how does it influence your creativity?

I am very inspired by the surroundings of my childhood. West Cork is beautiful and Inchydoney is special to all of us. Each scent in the Inchydoney candles range is a special Inchydoney memory. We all have them. I hope these scents bring back yours. And there are millions more memories to be made! ENJOY!

Inchydoney Candles feature in our Box of Smiles – Keep Cork Smiling gift box, take a look here

www.inchydoneycandles.ie