From Bombs to Baking: Two and a Half Irishmen Brings Irish and American Classics to Virginia

Niall Duffy’s journey is as surprising as it is heartwarming—an explosives expert turned baker bringing a taste of Ireland to Virginia. Over a plate of freshly baked apple cinnamon scones slathered in creamy Irish butter, Duffy shared his story of how love and a leap of faith led him from the rugged coasts of Galway to the bustling farmers’ markets of Richmond.

Originally from Galway on Ireland’s west coast, Duffy spent years as a chemist working on high-stakes projects involving explosives across the globe. “It was a demanding but fascinating job,” Duffy recalls, “one that brought me all over the world from the Middle East to South Africa and everywhere in between.”

Life took a turn when Duffy met his wife, an Irish-American visiting her family’s homeland. After living in Ireland for some time, they decided to move to Richmond, Virginia, to build a new chapter together. However, as an immigrant, Duffy faced restrictions on working until his paperwork was approved.

Rather than let the downtime discourage him, Duffy turned to a skill deeply rooted in his Irish upbringing: baking. “I needed to do something to pass the time, so I started to perfect recipes I’d grown up with—and to experiment with a few American ones.”

Duffy began sharing his creations at local farmers’ markets, initially offering free samples to avoid breaking work restrictions. The warm reception from locals inspired him to start a business once he gained permission to work.

Today, Duffy owns Two and a Half Irishmen Traditional Irish Baking, a thriving bakery known for its blend of Irish classics and American favorites. With a growing team of four employees, he creates everything from Guinness-infused breads to vegan and gluten-free options.

A chance encounter with a Fredericksburg customer led to a partnership with the Fredericksburg Food Co-op, where his breads and scones have become staples. “They’ve been so welcoming,” Duffy said. “They let me set up in the store, and it’s been wonderful to connect with this community.”

Two and a Half Irishmen’s menu is as diverse as its origins. Popular items include buttermilk Irish scones—some with an American twist—and creative collaborations like the Hot Southern Honey Dubliner Irish Cheese Scones, featuring a sweet-and-spicy local honey. Seasonal offerings like the Hardywood Gingerbread Stout Cake, made with a Richmond brewery, further highlight Duffy’s talent for blending local flavors with Irish heritage.

Today, Two and a Half Irishmen is more than a bakery—it’s a bridge between cultures, blending the rich traditions of Ireland with the flavors of Virginia. “It’s been incredible to share a piece of my home with this community and to build something meaningful here in America,” said Duffy.