Rothe house & Garden
Embark on a journey through time at
Rothe House & Garden
Where each step tells a story of 16th century merchant life in Kilkenny.
Rothe House & Garden
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.
Visit 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.
With layers of stories and plenty to explore, find out everything you will need to plan an unforgettable trip.
Rothe House & Garden tours
Our Tours
Guided Tour
Tour Information:
The best way to experience Rothe House is on a guided tour with one of our expert guides. Hear the fascinating story of the rise and fall of the Rothe family, and the journey to restoration for their ‘once noble mansion’. Enjoy the garden at your leisure after your tour.
11.30 and 14.30
11.30 and 14.30
Our History
In the heart of Kilkenny city on Ireland’s Medieval Mile, Rothe House & Garden was built between 1594 and 1610.
It was once the home and business place of John Rothe and Rose Archer, one of Kilkenny’s wealthiest and most influential merchant families. With a family of eleven children, their prominent town centre household was a hub of social, business and political activity. Today you can visit the houses and garden much as they were when the Rothe family lived here. The three-storied houses are connected by cobbled courtyards before rising to reveal a magnificent walled garden, restored to its original splendour.
testimonials
Kind words from our visitors
Rothe House is the real thing, easily passed by on Kilkenny’s High Street. The house is over 400 years old with beautifully restored rooms that give a real sense of what it must have been to live here in medieval times. This must have been a lovely home, with bright and airy rooms arranged around a courtyard and a long garden stretching to the town walls behind. The garden has been meticulously restored with flowers, herbs and fruit-trees of the period. After the grandeur of Kilkenny Castle which so many tourists visit, Rothe House is an oasis of calm, bringing the simpler but very elegant lifestyle of a prosperous Kilkenny merchant vividly to life. Highly recommended!
Debbie – August 2023
A wonderful house, full of many treasures and interesting facts. The garden is a stand-out and as you make your way around its florific enclosure we were encouraged by the welcoming staff to sample the fruits, an apple for us, and discover the fate of the Rothe family. A very pleasurable place.
Trip Advisor – September 2023
This is a hidden gem in Kilkenny! I highly recommend taking a guided tour to get the full benefit. The guide is super knowledgeable and shared so much interesting information about the history of Rothe House, Kilkenny and Ireland. The house is beautiful and it really evokes the stories that are told on the tour
Trip Advisor – November 2023
This historic House and its gardens are really worth a visit. You can take a Guided Tour ( recommended) or just walk around through the rooms and gardens. There is information provided throughout, and the original Rothe family came to Ireland from France.. The house was built around 1594, with an additional two houses built at intervals. The staff are rightly proud of the House , and are very knowledgeable about its history. The gardens are extensive and have been restored and laid out with a wealth of herbs, apple trees and other interesting or historic plants.
Trip Advisor – April 2024
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