The candle stick maker: Lighting Irish hearts and homes since 1488

The latest episode of the Škoda Made for Ireland mini-documentary series meets Siobhan Brady, Operations Manager at Rathbornes Candles, the world’s oldest candle company, founded in 1488.

In operation for over 500 years, Rathbornes Candles have illuminated the streets, homes, lighthouses and churches of Ireland, and the candles which they produce today are still hand-crafted with many of the same skilled methods they have used since the fifteenth century.

As all companies do, Rathbornes Candles have faced many challenges along the way – from the famine and multiple recessions, to the invention of electricity. As one of the oldest car companies in the world, established in 1895 Škoda asked, what it takes to stay relevant for 500 years?

The answer is simple – innovation and tradition. Rathbornes Candles have been refining their candles throughout their history, and taking the best from centuries of experience. This included developing new formulations of wax, moving from animal tallow to develop a special blend of beeswax and stearin during the industrial revolution.

This technical innovation gave a cleaner, slower-burning candle for everyone to enjoy, and they remained loyal to their traditional methods of craftsmanship, still hand-pouring their candles today.

In this, the fifth instalment of the Škoda Made for Ireland series, Siobhan explains the processes involved in creating hand-crafted candles – from scent selection and hand-pouring the wax, to creating a smooth, clean finish.

“Today we no longer need candles to light our streets, but we choose them for our homes. The soft, wavering glow of candlelight provides the same comfort and romance as it has for centuries.”

Siobhan explains the significant role of church candles throughout various stages of our lives – from lighting a candle during hard times, to combining the light of two candles during a wedding ceremony.

Supplying Irish churches with candles makes up 80 per cent of Rathbornes Candles’ business. With the World Meeting of Families and Papal visit leading to an increase in the lighting of church candles, Siobhan shares details of the processes involved in creating made-to-order pillar candles for churches across Ireland, all of which are tailored to various size and shape requirements.

Rathbornes Candles have created a special commemorative candle for the World Meeting of Families.

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