Mountain View Markets – A Magical Irish Christmas Market Experience
Just a few kilometres outside Kilkenny City sits one of Ireland’s most atmospheric festive markets—Mountain View. What started as a lockdown project for the O’Neill family has quickly grown into a Christmas tradition that draws people from across the country. Set on 120 acres of rolling countryside, Mountain View is already known for its weddings, events and glamping, but once November arrives the whole place transforms into something far more magical. Walking in, you’re greeted by the soft warmth of fairy lights, the sound of music drifting between the stalls and the unmistakable smell of food being cooked right in front of you. It’s the kind of moment that makes you pause and think, this really is Christmas.
If you’re planning a visit this year, you’ll want to take note of the dates because Mountain View has a particularly full festive calendar. The weekly Sunday Christmas Market returns from November 22nd right through to January 4th, running every week from 10am to 3pm. Alongside these, there are two atmospheric night markets on Saturday November 22nd and Saturday December 20th, both running from 3pm to 9pm. The night markets are something special—the darker evenings make the lights seem brighter, the music a little louder, and the food just that bit more tempting.
Speaking of food, it’s worth saying this clearly: get there early. The food stalls are famously popular and once dishes sell out, that’s it for the day. We still talk about the heartbreak of missing out on the final Handsome Burger last year. From paella and lobster rolls to Indian street food and a seriously impressive barbecue setup, the options feel endless. And if what you’re after is a proper roast, The Greenhouse is known for a Sunday Roast that has developed something of a reputation.
This year also sees the return of Santa to Mountain View, with visits scheduled for December 7th, 14th and 20th. Each date offers a chance to meet Santa and enjoy a home-baked treat from Mrs Claus, and the experience is one that sells out every year. There’s even a dedicated Santa Paws hour on December 20th from 7pm to 8pm during the night market, giving dog owners the chance to get a festive photo with their four-legged family members.
Wandering through the stalls, it’s clear why this market has become such a firm favourite. With more than 150 traders across the season, live music, handcrafted gifts, decorations, and some of the best street food in the region, Mountain View manages to strike that balance between community feel and festive spectacle. Families, couples, groups of friends and plenty of enthusiastic dogs fill the space each week, creating an atmosphere that feels joyful from the moment you arrive. If you’re looking for a genuine Christmas experience, this might just be the most magical one around.
