Rothe House & Garden
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Ireland’s history at Rothe House & Garden – not to be missed on your visit to the Medieval city.
Nestled in the heart of Kilkenny city, this 16th century merchant house is the only one of its kind in Ireland. Explore the three houses, cobbled courtyards and beautifully restored garden, laid out much as they have been for over 400 years. Rothe House & Garden promises a captivating journey through history and is a must-see in Kilkenny.
Visitors can explore at their own pace or take a guided tour with one of our experienced guides. These small and intimate tours will bring the story of Rothe House to life – covering history, architecture, heritage, restoration and civic pride. Visitors love the feeling of getting off the beaten track, the relaxed atmosphere and wealth of interesting artefacts on display.
One of the highlights is undoubtedly the restored garden. Influenced by the Renaissance style that John Rothe would have seen on his travels to Europe, the impressive garden stretches as far as the city walls and contains orchards, herb beds, vegetable gardens and unique heritage flowers.
Rothe House is also the home of Kilkenny Family History and the leading genealogy research centre for Kilkenny city and county. With access to over 200,000 family history records, we offer an unparalleled resource to discover your Kilkenny heritage. Whether you’re just beginning your search or eager to delve deeper, our extensive archives provide the perfect starting point (by appointment only).
Pick up a keepsake in the award-winning Merchant Shop, a treasure trove celebrating Irish craft and design – gorgeous jewellery, ceramics, scarves, throws, candles, giftware, books and much much more…all to discover on your visit to Rothe House & Garden!
