Ballyhale’s family-run Mountain View has announced its expansion into Kilkenny City through its takeover of Petronella restaurant.
Petronella is the first sister restaurant of Mountain View, which is located on 120 acres of Kilkenny countryside and home to the Greenhouse restaurant, a wedding and private event venue, glamping village, and the home of the south-east’s largest weekly farmers’ market.
“An opportunity to enter the restaurant scene in Kilkenny City doesn’t come around very often, particularly in a historic venue and well-established restaurant such as Petronella,” said Bee O’Grady, Mountain View co-owner and co-founder.
“When we met the previous owners of Petronella, we connected with them straight away. Our values of business, the vibrant restaurant scene and welcoming service we both pride ourselves on were truly aligned from the beginning of this journey.”
Mountain View’s expansion coincides with the announcement of a new culinary lead at the Ballyhale estate. Kilkenny native Gerard Dunne holds the position of group executive chef at Mountain View, overseeing the culinary teams, the estate’s kitchen garden, and all weddings and private events.
Dunne joins the O’Neill family business from his most recent position as executive chef at the popular Kilkenny City restaurant Rive Gauche and launches the new seasonal menu at Mountain View’s Greenhouse restaurant, which focuses on sourcing and showcasing the best ingredients, including local, natural and seasonal produce within a 60km radius, where possible.
He has curated the reinvented food offering at Petronella, with an emphasis on blending traditional Irish charm with modern European cuisine. His concept revolves around celebrating Ireland’s rich culinary heritage while incorporating global influences.
Petronella is located in one of the city’s oldest buildings, dating back to 1602, on Butterslip Lane, in the heart of Kilkenny City. The origins of the restaurant’s name are also steeped in the 700-year-old remarkable story of Petronella de Meath – a name and story synonymous with Kilkenny’s tales and trails of witchcraft and heresy.
“We wanted to bring our celebrated Mountain View style of experience, food and service to the local dining scene in the city while honouring Kilkenny’s heritage,” said O’Grady.
“Our team’s goal is to become a cherished part of the city’s restaurant scene, offering not just exceptional food, but also a genuine, warm and welcoming atmosphere.”
