Rothe House & Garden

About the museum

Rothe House was built between 1594 and 1610 on Kilkenny's Medieval Mile as the home and business premises of the merchant John Rothe and his wife Rose Archer, who raised eleven children there. Three houses of different dates, marked by inscriptions and coats of arms, are linked by cobbled courtyards, and a long garden runs behind them. The Rothes belonged to the small group of merchant families who dominated the town's life and politics, and the property had earlier been held by Cistercian monks from Duiske Abbey.

The family's fortunes followed the political upheavals of the seventeenth century. The house was confiscated after the defeat of Charles I because of the Rothes' part in the Confederation of Kilkenny, returned after the Restoration, and lost again after the Battle of the Boyne. It then changed hands several times.

The Kilkenny Archaeological Society bought the property in 1962 and still runs it as a museum. The second house was used for more than a century by the Gaelic League as a meeting place, and a room there is named after Thomas MacDonagh, who taught Irish history in it. The museum holds archaeological and historical objects, mostly found in or donated from the Kilkenny area, and the rear garden has been reconstructed to show a typical 17th-century town garden, including a well said to have been dug by the monks.

Highlights

• Three merchant houses of 1594, 1604 and 1610 linked by cobbled courtyards
• Museum of local archaeology and history run by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society
• Restored 17th-century walled garden with Braille panels on the walls
• Guided tours on the Rothe family's rise and fall and the restoration of the house

Permanent exhibitions

• Rothe House and the Kilkenny Archaeological Society museum – Three linked merchant houses with archaeological and historical objects, mostly found in or donated from the Kilkenny area, and a tour of the Rothe family story.
• The restored garden – A walled garden reconstructed to show a typical 17th-century town garden, with a well said to have been dug by Cistercian monks.

Founded

1594

Operated by

Kilkenny Archaeological Society

Admission & discounts

Prices shown are for a self-guided visit of about 45 minutes. Guided tours cost more and are best booked in advance, though walk-ins are accepted. There is no time limit once you have a ticket.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The courtyards and garden are wheelchair accessible, but the historic cobbles and the many staircases inside the houses can be difficult for visitors with limited mobility. Braille panels are set into the garden walls. Guide dogs and therapy dogs are allowed; other pets are not. Visitors who need help are asked to phone ahead, and an access welcome guide is available on the website.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

A family ticket and reduced child prices are offered. Interactive tours are designed for primary school groups, and the museum runs reenactments, workshops and seasonal events for families during the year.

Getting there & parking

Kilkenny Castle is about a 10-minute walk away and St Canice's Cathedral about 5 minutes.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

There is no on-site dining; cafes, restaurants and pubs are a few minutes' walk away on Parliament Street. The Merchant Shop sells Irish gifts, souvenirs, books and local crafts and can be entered from Parliament Street without a ticket.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The house can be hired for weddings, performances, gala dinners, corporate meetings, workshops and lectures. There is no in-house catering, but local partners are recommended.

Plan your visit