Skelligs Chocolate Seeks Examiner Amid Financial Difficulties

Skelligs Chocolate, the renowned Ring of Kerry chocolatier operating as Seaclaidi Na Sceilge Teoranta, is seeking the appointment of an examiner to protect the company from its creditors. The move comes as the company faces insolvency, despite its popularity as a tourist attraction and supplier to high-end retailers.

Legal Bid for Examination

Patrick McKillen jnr, the company’s director, will present a legal application to the Circuit Civil Court on March 20th, requesting the appointment of chartered accountant Joseph Walsh of JW Accountants as examiner. Barrister Ross Gorman, representing the company alongside Kane Tuohy Solicitors, informed Judge John O’Connor of the application.^{Irish Times}

Financial Challenges and Prospects of Survival

Skelligs Chocolate is currently unable to pay its debts. However, an independent expert, Cormac Mohan of Fitzwilliam Corporate, believes the company has a reasonable prospect of survival if an examiner is appointed.^{Irish Times} The company employs 24 permanent and part-time staff, whose jobs are potentially at risk.

Background and Ownership

The company, which trades from The Glen, Ballinskelligs, Co Kerry, normally operates from Easter to late October, but also serves artisan food shops, delicatessens, grocery and bookstores, off-licences and gift shops, and supplies retailers such as Arnotts, Avoca, Brown Thomas and Dublin Airport.^{Irish Times}

Seaclaidi Na Sceilge Teoranta was acquired by McKillen’s company, Keillan Limited, from former owner Colm Healy in March 2022 for €2 million.^{Irish Times}

Landlord Dispute and Receivership

The financial difficulties are compounded by a dispute with its landlord. In July 2025, Colin Gaynor of Resolute Advisory was appointed receiver over the landlord’s interest in the company’s property, a move that was challenged in the High Court and subsequently overturned.^{Independent.ie} €485,000 is owed to the landlord company, which is connected to Skelligs Chocolate. The annual rent was temporarily reduced from €388,000 to €108,000.^{Irish Times}

Wider Implications and Market Pressures

The potential liquidation of Skelligs Chocolate has raised concerns among local politicians and community members, who emphasize the company’s importance to the South Kerry region.^{Independent.ie} The company has faced increased costs for core products, raw materials, and distribution, leading to price increases of 25-30% and impacting gross margins in a competitive market dominated by Cadbury, Nestle, and Mars.^{Irish Times}

Previous Winding-Up Petition

In November 2025, a petition to wind up Seaclaidi na Sceilge Teoranta was presented to the High Court by Resolute Advisory, acting on behalf of a creditor.^{The Currency}