Rathbornes 1488 is the world’s oldest candle company. As the name suggests, it was in 1488 that John G Rathborne established his candle company in Ireland’s capital city, Dublin. For over 500 years Rathbornes candles have provided steadfast light for homes, streets, churches and lighthouses, bringing light to the dark nights across cities and seas. Rathbornes candles are part of Ireland's social culture. The firm has also pioneered new techniques in candlemaking such as new formulations of wax, moving from animal tallow to new blends of beeswax and stearin during the industrial revolution.

Today Rathbornes 1488 still produces artisan handcrafted candles using many of the same skilled methods which have been used since the 15th century. The hand-poured wax candles are infused with the highest quality essential oils, tested to ensure optimum scent distribution, uniquely blended with beeswax, for outstanding burn time.