Overview
Rothe House & Garden sits on Parliament Street, the bustling spine of Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile. Built between 1594 and 1610 by the wealthy merchant John Rothe Fitz‑Piers, the complex is a rare surviving example of a complete burgage plot – a long, narrow parcel of land that once stretched from the street right up to the city walls. Today the three adjoining townhouses, three enclosed courtyards and a meticulously reconstructed 17th‑century garden are open to the public, offering a vivid glimpse of merchant life in early modern Ireland.
History
The Rothe family were among Kilkenny’s most influential merchants and civic leaders in the 15th–17th centuries. John Rothe married Rose Archer, linking two of the city’s dominant trading dynasties. To accommodate a growing household of twelve children, Rothe built three independent houses rather than extending a single structure, a decision that preserved the original layout of the burgage plot.
During the turbulent 1640s the house was seized after the family’s involvement in the Confederation of Kilkenny, and it changed hands several times over the next century. By the late 1800s the site had served as a brew house, iron foundry, public house and even a cramped tenement. In 1962 the Kilkenny Archaeological Society purchased the property, restored the buildings and opened the museum. The garden was excavated in 2008, revealing the original planting scheme, and was reopened to visitors in 2008 as a living example of a 17th‑century urban garden.
What to See & Do
- Three Townhouses – Each house bears a date stone (1594, 1604, 1610) and showcases original post‑medieval features such as oriel windows, spiral staircases and a king‑post truss roof. The Great Hall, kitchen fireplace and richly plastered ceilings convey the status of the Rothe family.
- Cobbled Courtyards – The three enclosed courtyards link the houses and lead to the garden. Braille panels on the garden walls make the experience accessible to visually‑impaired visitors.
- Museum Highlights – The on‑site collection includes a giant Irish deer skull and antlers, a 17th‑century refectory table, a king‑post truss ceiling, the Ros Tapestry panel created in New Ross, a self‑portrait of Sir John Lavery and his wife Lady Hazel, plus over 2,000 artefacts unearthed from local archaeological digs (Spanish pottery, German glass, coins, shoe buckles, hairpins, etc.).
- Restored Garden – A half‑acre walled garden stretches back to the medieval city wall. Heritage varieties of vegetables, herbs, fruit trees and ornamental borders are planted according to the 2008 archaeological findings. Resident ducks add a touch of charm.
- Genealogy Hub – Rothe House is the designated family‑history research centre for County Kilkenny. The Kilkenny Archaeological Society’s library holds newspapers, maps, parish records and a searchable archive for anyone tracing Kilkenny ancestry.
- Gift Shop – The Merchant Shop on Parliament Street offers books, crafts and souvenirs; entry is free.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
| Season | Days open | Opening time | Last admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| May – September | Monday – Sunday | 10:00 am | 5:00 pm |
| April & October | Tuesday – Sunday (closed Monday) | 10:00 am | 5:00 pm |
| November – March | Tuesday – Sunday (closed Monday) | 10:00 am | 4:00 pm |
| January: closed Sundays & Mondays. |
Admission Fees
| Tour type | Adult | Concession (senior/student 18+) | Child (7‑17) | Junior (under 6) | Family (2 adults + 3 children) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided (60 min) | €10.00 | €9.00 | €6.00 | Free | €30.00 |
| Self‑guided (45 min) | €8.50 | €7.50 | €4.00 | Free | €24.00 |
Tickets can be purchased online via the official booking page. Walk‑ins are accepted, but guided tours fill quickly during peak season.
Accessibility
The courtyards and garden are wheelchair accessible. Historic cobblestones and interior staircases can be challenging; visitors who need assistance are encouraged to call ahead at +353 56 772 2893 to discuss arrangements. Guide and therapy dogs are welcome; other pets are not permitted.
Getting There
- Walking – A 5‑minute walk from St Canice’s Cathedral and a 10‑minute walk from Kilkenny Castle. The site is directly opposite the Smithwick’s Experience on Parliament Street.
- Public transport – City bus routes KK1 and KK2 stop on Parliament Street outside the entrance. The main train/bus station (McDonagh) is a short taxi ride away.
- Car – Paid hourly parking is available at the nearby Market Yard or Market Cross car parks. Coach parking (free, secure) is provided at St Canice’s Place (MP4V+GX).
- Map – Google Maps location.
Contact & Further Details
- Website: https://rothehouse.com
- Phone: +353 56 772 2893
- Email: reception@rothehouse.com
- Address: Rothe House & Garden, 16 Parliament Street, Kilkenny, R95 P89C, Ireland
For groups, events or venue hire, contact the reception team directly. The indoor space accommodates 150‑200 guests, while the garden can host 65‑80 people for outdoor functions.
Rothe House offers a rare combination of architectural splendor, archaeological treasure and living garden, making it a must‑see for history lovers, families and anyone eager to experience Kilkenny’s medieval heritage.