A crowd gathered in the first courtyard of Rothe House.

Photos: Celebrating 60 Years of Rothe House

This past Friday (April 17th), Parliament Street felt a little more vibrant than usual!

While Rothe House has been standing since 1594, last week marked a milestone of a different era: the 60th anniversary of its opening to the public.

The ribbon is cut on the new exhibition
The ribbon is cut on the new exhibition. L-R: Anne Lannon, KAS President, Mayor John Coonan, Ann Mulrooney, Chairperson of Rothe House Trust, Valerie O’Sullivan, General Manager of Rothe House, Senator Malcolm Noonan, Leas-Chathaoirleach Fidelis Doherty.

It is hard to imagine today, when strolling through the restored buildings and Renaissance garden, that in the early 1960s, this site was on the brink of ruin. The celebration on Friday was a sincere tribute to the members of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society (KAS). In 1962, they stepped in to save the property from dereliction, embarking on a restoration project that was, at the time, radical and unfashionable.

Former KAS President Peter McQuillan with Nicola Toler-Aylward who was present at the opening of Rothe House in 1966.
Former KAS President Peter McQuillan with Nicola Toler-Aylward who was present at the opening of Rothe House in 1966.

Many in attendance at last week’s event had been at the opening in 1966, others were the children and grandchildren of the craftspeople and committee. The guest of honour was Senator Malcolm Noonan who spoke of the importance of Rothe House and congratulated all who have kept it going over the last six decades.

Councillor Andrew McGuinness with Evan and Dylan Brennan, grandson and son of Jim Brennan who had a butcher's shop in Rothe House until 1980.
Councillor Andrew McGuinness with Evan and Dylan Brennan, grandson and son of Jim Brennan who had a butcher’s shop in Rothe House until 1980.

Rothe House Trust also launched a new Five Year Strategy at the event which looks forward to a continued period of growth and community engagement.

Central to the anniversary is the new free exhibition, “Rothe House 1966-2026: The Restoration.”

L-R: Claire McInerney Brown, Chamber of Commerce President, Ann Tierney, KAS member, Anne Lannon, KAS President, Mary T. Brennan, KAS Secretary
L-R: Claire McInerney Brown, Chamber of Commerce President, Ann Tierney, KAS member, Anne Lannon, KAS President, Mary T. Brennan, KAS Secretary

For anyone who calls Kilkenny home, this is a must-see, telling the inspiring 20th-century story of how a community pulled together to save its own history. A touching video captures the recollections of local people, and the exhibition displays archival material, letters and photographs.

Margaret and Maeve, granddaughters of KAS co-founder, Margaret Phelan
Margaret and Maeve, granddaughters of KAS co-founder, Margaret Phelan

The “Rothe House 1966-2026: The Restoration” exhibition is now open to the public. Admission to the exhibition is free and is open 10am – 5pm daily.

Photography: Vicky Comerford

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