About Two and a Half Irishman

Cead Mile Failte!

From a small river town in his native Ireland to the small river city of Richmond that he now calls home, Niall Duffy’s family-operated micro bakery Two and a Half Irishman is rooted in heritage and history.

Leaning on recipes from his past and ingredients from his present, Two and a Half Irishman was founded in 2015, offering everything from soft, floury Waterford Blaa bread originating in Ireland to a seasonal Virginia Peach Cobbler Cake, in addition to a culinary catalog of gluten-free and vegan offerings.

So how did an Irish transplant with a background in chemistry land in the states and become a baker? Part love story, part family legacy, part natural knack.

Niall met his wife at a pub while she was visiting her father’s hometown, Galway, the same town he was from. The duo fell in love and eventually landed in Richmond, Virginia.

Just a wee bit away from Ireland —3,500 miles to be exact — Niall found comfort in proofing dough, making Irish scones and recreating recipes inherited from his mother.

In 2015, he sampled Irish soda bread — which actually originated in Virginia! — and Traditional Irish Tea Bracks, or ‘speckled bread,’ at the Richmond Irish Festival. Although he was unable to sell the baked goods because he was not yet a citizen, his fluffy rolls and fruit-studded breads caught the eye of attendees. After the event, his wife said to him, “I think this could be something.” She was right.

Each week, Niall and his children can be found at the RVA Big Market, their tent delightfully dubbed “The Castle” by regulars, and his products gracing shelves at local markets and stores around the region. Pastries from his buttermilk scones to Galway Apple Cakes tell the soul of his Celtic-based story, while Orange Glazed Mimosa Cakes and Classic and Chocolate Zucchini Breads present playful year-round offerings.

Introducing new selections weekly, Two and Half Irishman cherishes the seasons and continues to share a taste of Niall’s homeland with Richmond. For those looking to spread a little Irish or simply explore the flavors of The Emerald Isle, Two and a Half Irishmen also curates Celebration Boxes that offer a sampling of handmade Irish-inspired treats that make for a perfect edible gift.