Looking for a handy guide of things to see, do and experience in Kilkenny? Whether you’re a native or just visiting this fantastic county, you’ll need to pick up the latest version of the Kilkenny Tourism Visitor Guide. A printed version is available from County Hall on John Street, or. Or why not download a PDF version at the link below?
Get out and enjoy all Kilkenny has to offer.
As you may know, Kilkenny County Council are supporting a county-wide Christmas Festival in 2016 titled “Yulefest Kilkenny”.
“By developing a Christmas Festive Celebration, we want to create a new, entertaining, exciting and uplifting experience for local people, visitors and returning families during December”
Rothe House has been chosen to play host to a magical Christmas Craft Market for the duration of the festival. This market will be run in tandem with a craft food market located across the street at Grace’s Castle. There will be music provided and a costumed character creating atmosphere and photo opportunities for people attending the event. Entry to Rothe House will be free and the main gate will remain open to allow passers-by uninterrupted access to the stalls. Kilkenny County Council are also investing in a new street lighting scheme to create a trail for visitors and lead them to key locations, such as Rothe House.
The festival will be advertised nationally in the coming months, utilising the expertise of consultants TL Marketing and Presence PR in association with Kilkenny Tourism.
We are seeking craftspeople to take stalls in our charming rooms and courtyards for the dates and trading times listed below. Food and beverage vendors will be required to supply their own all-weather marquees and trade from within the courtyards, all other vendors will be located inside.
| Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
| 2nd – 4th Dec | 5pm – 8pm | 10am – 6pm | 12pm – 4pm |
| 9th – 11th Dec | 5pm – 8pm | 10am – 6pm | 12pm – 4pm |
| 16th – 18th Dec | 5pm – 8pm | 10am – 6pm | 12pm – 4pm |
We are looking for craftspeople and traders to offer our visitors primarily hand-made items and hot beverages. The cost for each stall for the duration of the festival will be €300 for craft vendors and €500 for beverage vendors.
Vendors taking a pitch for the entire festival will be given priority, but single weekend pitches are available for €150 for craft vendors and €200 for beverage vendors.
To apply for a space, vendors will need to complete THIS FORM and send it with photos of their products by the 30th of September to Rothe House and Garden, Parliament St., Kilkenny or manager@rothehouse.com. All vendors are also required to provide evidence of their Public and Product Liability Insurance. Food and beverage vendors are required to provide evidence that they are registered with the HSE. If you are successful you will be contacted and required to pay the cost for your stall by the 28th of October.
Curator’s Choice
Visitors will have the chance to see some of Kilkenny Archaeological Society’s magnificent costume collection up close. Our curator has chosen some special items from storage which will be on display for one night only. The curator herself will be on hand to speak about the costumes and the challenges of looking after such important pieces. There will also be some not-so-precious costumes on display so kids of all ages can get the chance to dress up!
Ros Tapestry Stitchers
Did you know that the final panel of the extraordinary Ros Tapestry is being worked on in Rothe House? A panel depicting the Battle of Ossory, which took place in Co. Kilkenny in 1170, is on display as a work in progress alongside three of Anne Griffin Bernstorff’s huge painted canvases. On Culture Night the stitchers themselves will be here so you can see them at work. They will even give you the opportunity to make your own stitch in the historic tapestry if you have a steady hand…
Drop in to say hello any time between 6pm and 8pm, we’re looking forward to seeing you!
Or check out the Culture Night website for all listings.
Heritage Week is Ireland’s annual celebration of our built, natural and cultural heritage. This year it takes place from the 20th to the 28th of August. There is something for everyone to enjoy; exhibitions, activities, talks, demonstrations, tours and more. Check out what’s happening near you by clicking here.
In cooperation with Future Proof Kilkenny and the Kilkenny Fruit Tree Project, Rothe House and Garden are holding an Apple Pressing on Wednesday 24th August from 12pm to 3pm. We will be demonstrating how to create apple juice the traditional way using a cross-bar hand-operated press. Everyone is invited to bring their own apples and containers and our volunteers will happily turn them into fresh, delicious fruit juice. Entry to the garden will be through the gate on New Building Lane and will be free of charge for the duration. Why not take the opportunity to visit our Tudor walled garden and chat with our gardener? You’ll get to see how we grow vegetables, herbs and fruit including our fine selection of Irish heritage apple trees. For more information on apple pressing events this autumn follow @apple_pressing
We have three other ‘top picks’ from the Kilkenny Heritage Week Event Guide that shouldn’t be missed:
Kilkenny Book Fair Saturday 20th 11am – 5.30pm, Club House Hotel, Patrick Street. A mecca for the collector with booksellers from all over Ireland exhibiting. Book lovers welcome!
The Black Death in Ireland Tuesday 23rd 7pm, Castlecomer Library. A book launch and talk by author and broadcaster Finbar Dwyer.
Walking Tour of Parliament Street Wednesday 24th 7pm, meeting at the carpark by the old Mayfair Building. A guided walking tour along this most historic street will be lead by President of Kilkenny Archaeological Society, Seamus Brennan.
With the weather turning noticeably milder you might be tempted to turn your attention to the garden, but are you at a loss for where to start or what to do? We asked our resident gardener, Mary, for a few tips for what you should be doing in the garden for the month of May!
We hope these tips have been useful and we welcome any gardening questions or queries that you might have!
If you’re looking to stock up on some unique plants then why not drop into our plant sale on May 28th here in Rothe House & Garden. There will be a wide variety of plants on sale; including many perenials as mentioned above, all grown and tended to by our gardener. There will also be free admission to the house on the day or why not avail of one of three guided tours at 11am, 1pm or 3pm. We hope you can make it.
Starting on Thursday 5th of May we will be offering a four-week course of beginners’ yoga at Rothe House between 1.10pm and 1.50pm – perfect for your lunch break. You will be instructed by the wonderful Jenny Dillon who has been practicing yoga for 4 years. Jenny also works as a chartered physiotherapist and really understands the endless benefits yoga offers health and well being. It’s just €10 per session or €32 for all four. We ask that you bring your own may and give us a call on 056 7722893 to book your place.
