Mid- March, and we’re on target and on budget with the Rothe House Garden Restoration Project. The Main Contractors, Tallis & Company, have finished building new walls to plug the gaps between the existing walls.  Mech & Elec service ducts have been laid, and the contractors have laid the topsoil. The layout of the garden paths and beds is completed and the oak and bay trees are planted. The vine arbour is in place, made of oak from Inistiogue, and wooden seats, kindly sponsored by donors, are in place. Sponsorship is still open for seats, trees, plants and cobbles. Wet weather has delayed the planting of the orchard in the upper garden, but the top part is finished and the rest is just awaiting a bit more drying-out. A design for presenting the Cistercian well, in the centre of the garden is being considered by the Trust at present. This will be expensive. However, the well dates from the occupation of the property by the monks from Graignamanagh in the 14th century, so it is worth doing “well.” The Opening Ceremony will be  on April 11th, and will be performed by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. After that the garden will be open to the public and will form part of the tour for visitors to the House.

This project has been funded by Failte Ireland, under the 2000-2006 NDP, Kilkenny Borough Council and Kilkenny Civic Trust.