Mountain View Markets – A Magical Irish Christmas Market Experience
This weekend, we discovered just a few kilometers outside Kilkenny City—the Mountain View Christmas Market. The O’Neill family, who’ve been running Mountain View for generations, originally started the market as a lockdown project, and it quickly became a must-visit spring/summer venue. Now, it’s set to become a Christmas tradition too. The 120-acre property is also a dreamy destination for weddings, corporate events, and even luxury glamping. Walking in, you’re instantly surrounded by the warm glow of fairy lights, the mouth-watering aroma of countless food vendors, and a festive buzz that makes you stop and think, Now this is Christmas!
Tip: Get there early. Seriously, the food stalls are so popular that they sell out fast. We made a beeline for the Handsome Burger only to watch in heartbreak as the last two award-winning burgers were handed over to an drooling couple. Lesson learned! They’ve got everything from paella, lobster rolls to Indian street food and a killer barbecue setup. Their super cosy cow shed-turned-venue….and if you’re after a roast head to The Greenhouse, where they serve an amazing Sunday Roast.
Wandering around the market, it’s easy to see there’s a little something for everyone—handcrafted gifts, unique decorations, and so much amazing food. There were kids, doggo’s, families of all ages laughing, a DJ providing the tunes, and an overall feeling of Christmas magic in the air.
If you’re looking for a proper Christmas experience, this is it. With over 150 traders, this is one of Ireland’s largest Christmas markets and the perfect chance to support local businesses. Mountain View has nailed it with the mix of food, gifts, and atmosphere. Just don’t forget to get there early because trust us, you don’t want to miss out on all the good stuff.
Ballyhale might just have the most magical Christmas market around!
