Access Welcome Guide – Rothe House & Garden

Welcome

Welcome to Rothe House & Garden.

We’re committed to ensuring that all visitors have a full and equal opportunity to enjoy our 16th-century merchant house, courtyards and walled garden in the heart of Kilkenny.

This guide outlines the information, services and facilities available so you can plan your visit with confidence. As Rothe House is a protected historic building dating from 1594, some areas present natural challenges (cobbled courtyards, stone staircases), and we want to be upfront about these so you know what to expect before you arrive.

If we haven’t covered something you need to know, please get in touch. Call us on +353 (0)56 772 2893 or email reception@rothehouse.com, and our team will be happy to help.

Contact Information

If you require assistance or have any access-related questions before your visit, you can reach us by:

Getting Here

Address: Rothe House & Garden, 16 Parliament Street, Kilkenny, Ireland, R95 P89C

By Car

  • Eircode: R95 P89C
  • The nearest car parks are Market Yard and Market Cross car parks, both a short, level walk from the house on Parliament Street.
  • There is no visitor parking available on site. The nearest public car parks are Market Cross Car Park and Market Yard Car Park, both of which provide designated accessible parking bays. We recommend allowing a little extra time to travel from the car park to the museum entrance.

By Bus

  • We’re located between two city bus stops on Parliament Street: Parliament Street (routes KK1, KK2) and Market Yard (routes KK1, KK2, 838).

By Train

  • The nearest railway station is Kilkenny McDonagh Station, an easy walk or short taxi ride from Rothe House.
  • For accessibility assistance when travelling by Iarnród Éireann, passengers can book support in advance via the Irish Rail Accessibility service.

By Taxi

  • A number of local taxi companies operate in Kilkenny and we’re happy to provide details on request. Please contact us if you need help arranging a wheelchair-accessible taxi.

By Air

  • The nearest airports are Dublin Airport (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by car) and Waterford Airport (smaller, regional services).

Coach Parking

  • Free, secure coach parking is available at St Canice’s Place, just off St Francis Abbey Bridge. It’s an easy 5-minute, mostly level walk to Rothe House.

Walking

  • Kilkenny is a compact, walkable city. From Kilkenny Castle, it’s a 10-minute walk down High Street onto Parliament Street, directly opposite the Smithwick’s Experience.

Key Accessibility Features

Step-Free Access

  • The main entrance and shop are located on the ground floor and can be accessed directly from street level. Please note that there is no step-free or ramped access available at the entrance.

Access Within the Building

Rothe House comprises three historic townhouses connected by cobbled courtyards, opening onto a restored half-acre walled garden.

  • Courtyards and Garden: Wheelchair accessible. Please note the courtyards have original cobblestone surfaces, which may be uneven for wheelchair and mobility scooter users.
  • Inside the Houses: The historic staircases within the houses are not step-free and may be challenging for visitors with mobility impairments.

Lift / Stairs

  • The historic house is arranged over multiple floors. Ground floor rooms are accessible; however, access to the upper floors is via stairs only, and there is no internal customer lift.
  • An outdoor lift is available to provide access to the raised garden area.

Accessible Toilet

  • There is currently no wheelchair-accessible toilet on site. The nearest accessible toilet is located at the Mayfair Library on Parliament Street, a short distance from the museum.
  • Baby changing facilities are available for visitors with young children.

Seating

  • Visitors who may need to rest during their visit will find seating available throughout the site. There are a number of benches located in both the gardens and courtyards, providing opportunities to sit and enjoy the surroundings at regular intervals.

Assistance Dogs

  • Guide and assistance dogs (including autism assistance dogs) are welcome at Rothe House. Due to the delicate nature of the restored garden, other dogs cannot be admitted.

Braille / Tactile Information

  • Braille panels are available on the garden walls.

Emergency Evacuation

  • If you have any access requirements or concerns about emergency arrangements, please speak to a member of our team on arrival.

Tours

  • Guided Tour (60 mins): Led by our expert guides through the history of the Rothe family and the restoration of the house, followed by free time in the garden.
  • Self-Guided Tour (45 mins): Explore the house, courtyards and garden at your own pace, with information provided throughout.

Merchant Shop & Refreshments

  • The Merchant Shop, on Parliament Street, is accessible without a ticket and offers a range of Irish gifts.
  • There are no dining facilities on site, but Parliament Street and the surrounding Medieval Mile have a wide range of cafés, restaurants and pubs within a few minutes’ walk.

Accessible Destination Highlights – Explore Kilkenny

During your visit, you may want to explore more of Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile. Here are a few nearby places of interest:

  • Kilkenny Castle – A 10-minute walk from Rothe House along High Street. Set in extensive parkland with largely level paths.
  • St Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower – A 5-minute walk further along from Rothe House.
  • Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny – Located directly opposite Rothe House on Parliament Street.
  • Medieval Mile Museum – A short walk away on St Mary’s Lane, housed in a restored medieval church.
  • Kilkenny Castle Park – A large public park with level pathways, ideal for a relaxed walk or rest.

Disclaimer: The accessibility information provided by these venues has not been independently verified by Rothe House & Garden. We recommend contacting each venue directly to confirm whether it meets your needs.

Emergency and Medical Information

  • Nearest Hospital: St Luke’s General Hospital, Freshford Road, Kilkenny (approx. 10-minute drive)
  • Nearest Pharmacy: Whites Pharmacy, 5 High Street Kilkenny. (approx. 150 metres walking distance / 1-minute drive)
  • For all emergencies, please call 999 or 112.

Share Your Feedback

We are constantly reviewing and improving our visitor experience. Your feedback helps us continue to do that, and any changes will be reflected in this Access Welcome Guide.

If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions about accessibility at Rothe House & Garden, we would love to hear from you:

This Access Welcome Guide was produced in June 2026 and will be reviewed and updated regularly.

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