As lock-down projects went, what the O'Neill family did on their 120-acre Kilkenny farm was epic by any standards. Siblings Bee O’Grady and Michael O’Neill are the driving forces behind the aptly-named third generation enterprise, which enjoys a truly rural setting in rolling hills with wonderful views across miles of the region's famous farmland - and now offers an astonishing range of experiences, including an alternative wedding and events venue, a boutique glamping village, a weekly farmers' market and a panoramic restaurant, The Greenhouse.
Originally their parents’ farm – and opened as a golf course 30 years ago – Mountain View will be familiar to viewers of RTE Nationwide, which visited the property and showed, in particular, the extent and quality of the Sunday market which showcases over 70 speciality food and crafts producers from the immediate area and around Ireland. There’s plenty of tasty grazing to be done here, but Mountain View also offers elegant daytime and evening dining in The Greenhouse, an atmospheric restaurant with wonderful views where dners may expect beautiful seasonally-led menus featuring local produce including organic fruit and vegetables from Callan’s Riversfield Organic Farm; meat sourced from Mark Williams, a 6th generation beef farmer from Kilkenny’s Summerhill Farm; organic chicken from Castlecomer’s Rings Farm; and Mountain View’s own on-site herb garden.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything they do here, including the alternative weddings and events (held in stylishly rustic venue, The Cowshed) and the dog friendly glamping village, with its luxurious tents and Hilly Huts for a laid-back and very comfortable rural break. So, what a gem of a place it is. You can visit on a Sunday to see a thriving Farmers' Market, with over 70 stalls, and sample delicious artisan foods while enjoying live music and the beautiful Kilkenny countryside - or opt for The Greenhouse Restaurant, to experience some excellent cooking... All this plus bespoke glamping, and a unique wedding and events venue too. A real one-off.
