The Curious Chandler · Kilkenny, Ireland
Our Story
History. Fragrance. A little curiosity.
Hello, I’m Breda. Historian, researcher and the maker behind The Curious Chandler.
This House began with a question: what if a story could be discovered through the simple act of lighting a candle?
The person behind the House
A historian’s curiosity
For more than twenty-five years I have worked in Irish heritage, helping to research, protect and share some of our most remarkable historic places. Alongside my professional work, I completed a degree in Local History before earning a PhD from Maynooth University, where my research focused on the Cistercian Order in medieval Ireland.
History has always been far more than a profession to me. It is a source of endless curiosity.
I have spent countless hours exploring ruined churches, medieval abbeys, forgotten landscapes and old manuscripts, wondering how these places once looked, sounded and even smelled. Those questions eventually led me from the archive to the workbench.
From research to fragrance
Every Chronicle begins with a question
Before there is a candle, there is a place, a season or a story that I want to understand more closely.
I read widely, return to original sources wherever possible and look for the small details that bring a story to life. Only then do I begin developing the fragrance, colours and presentation that will become a finished Chapter.
My hope is that each Chronicle offers more than a beautiful fragrance. I hope it encourages you to slow down, become curious and discover a place, a season or a story you had never encountered before.
Everything is hand-poured in Kilkenny using a blend of rapeseed and coconut wax and carefully chosen fragrance oils. The labels, printed Chronicle cards and collections receive the same attention as the research itself.
Research, shared
Another way into the story
People sometimes ask whether I see myself as a historian or a candle maker. The Curious Chandler brings those parts of my work together: history, craftsmanship and storytelling, shared in a way that I hope feels thoughtful and welcoming.
The research continues beyond the candles. The Library is a growing home for reading guides and resources, while the Studio Journal follows the ideas and discoveries taking shape along the way.
Welcome to the House
Stay a little while
Perhaps you arrived because of a fragrance, a favourite historic place or a question about Ireland’s past. However you found your way here, I hope you discover something that sparks your own curiosity.
Thank you for visiting the House.
Breda