‘Rothe House 1966-2026: The Restoration’ charts the story of how Ireland’s only 16th-century merchant mansion was saved, becoming Kilkenny’s first dedicated visitor attraction.
In the early 1960s, a group of visionary members of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society set out to buy what was fast becoming a ruin in the heart of their city. Led by chairperson (and later Freeman of Kilkenny) Margaret Phelan, they launched a major fundraising campaign. Their aim was not only to buy but to restore this ancient house to its former glory.
This was a time when restoration was neither fashionable nor encouraged. However, with the support of the Irish tourism board, Bord Fáilte, they persevered. The Office of Public Works agreed to carry out the restoration work, with the Archaeological Society paying for it.
The Society’s fundraising campaign was not only a local one, but a national and international effort. Letters were sent far and wide, with people like the Princess of Monaco, and the Duchess of Westminster (owner of Cheltenham legend, Arkle), among those to send money towards the Rothe House fund.
The first of the three buildings at Rothe House opened on April 17th, 1966.
Now, 60 years later, this free exhibition will take visitors through that story. It will detail the 20th-century history of the house, the efforts involved to purchase it, and the landmark (and trendsetting) restoration project that ensued.
The team of craftsmen assembled for Rothe House had never worked on a restoration project before. However, they subsequently worked at some of the most important historic sites in the region, including Jerpoint Abbey, the Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, and Tintern Abbey.
The six-month exhibition will run until October 31st, 2026.
A programme of events to celebrate 60 years since the opening of the house will run throughout the summer.
