Rothe House & Garden
Rothe House
Ireland's best-preserved Tudor merchant house, with a three-courtyard layout and a restored 17th-century garden at the back.
Rothe House was built between 1594 and 1610 by the wealthy merchant John Rothe. It consists of a street-front shop, two courtyards and a rear garden. It is the only surviving example in Ireland of this type of urban merchant house. Inside, the house displays collections of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, period costumes and family genealogy materials. The rear garden has been restored in 17th-century style, with an orchard and herb garden. It is not large, and about an hour is enough to see it. It also offers genealogy research services, which suit visitors interested in tracing Irish roots.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:30–17:00 (shorter in winter; closed on some dates)
Nearby sights
- Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny
- Kyteler's Inn
- Black Abbey
- St Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower
- Medieval Mile
- Medieval Mile Museum
- Butler Gallery
- Kilkenny Castle