Located at 16 Parliament Street, Kilkenny City (R95 P89C), Rothe House & Garden is Ireland’s only intact 16th-century merchant townhouse complex, built between 1594 and 1610 by John Rothe Fitz-Piers and his wife, Rose Archer. Situated on a rare surviving burgage plot, this Tudor-era gem, owned by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, offers a vivid glimpse into the life of a wealthy merchant family in medieval Kilkenny. Comprising three houses, three cobbled courtyards, and a meticulously reconstructed half-acre garden, it’s a highlight of Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile, ideal for history enthusiasts, families, and those seeking a tranquil escape. Its Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award reflects its top 10% global ranking, praised as a “hidden gem” for its authentic restoration and engaging storytelling.
Key Attractions and Experiences:
- Guided and Self-Guided Tours: Visitors can choose 45-minute guided tours (€10/adult, €8/concession, €5/child, pre-2025 prices, discounts for students/seniors) led by “knowledgeable” and “charismatic” guides like Isabel, Sean, or Willie, who recount the Rothe family’s rise and fall, from John’s role as Mayor to their exile under Cromwell. Tours, offered daily at 11:30am and 2:30pm (check www.rothehouse.com for updates), explore the three houses’ interiors, showcasing spiral staircases, king post truss ceilings, and artefacts like a 17th-century refectory table and giant deer skull. Self-guided tours (€7.50/adult, €5/child) include an A4 guide and information panels, allowing leisurely exploration of the houses, courtyards, and garden. Reviewers praise the guided tours for their “fascinating” insights into Kilkenny’s merchant class and the garden’s “peaceful” ambiance. A scavenger hunt keeps children engaged, making it family-friendly.
- Three Houses and Courtyards: The complex, built in 1594, 1604, and 1610 to accommodate the Rothes’ 12 children, features three interconnected houses linked by cobbled courtyards. The first house (1594) displays John’s coat-of-arms on an oriel window, the second (1604) includes a cistern, and the third (1610) houses a kitchen with a large hearth and bake oven, plus an archaeological exhibition with Bronze Age cist graves and garden excavation finds. The houses, restored in the 1960s, retain Tudor architecture, with “bright and airy” rooms evoking 17th-century life. The courtyards, though simple, offer a “quiet sanctuary” amidst Kilkenny’s bustle.
- Restored Garden: Opened in 2008, the half-acre walled garden’s only publicly accessible 17th-century urban garden, is a “stand-out” feature. Reconstructed based on 2005–2007 archaeological excavations that uncovered its original layout, seeds, and pollen, it’s divided into a lower garden (vegetables and herbs like Deer Tongue lettuce, Gortahork cabbage, lovage, and borage) and an upper garden (fruit trees including apple, medlar, quince, and damson). The garden, once buried under a parking lot, reflects the Rothes’ status, with a medieval well dug by Cistercian monks. Visitors can sample fruits like apples, and braille panels on the walls aid accessibility. Reviewers call it “magnificent” and “recommendedly recreated,” ideal for relaxing after tours.
- Museum and Artefacts: The third house hosts a small museum with over 2,500 Kilkenny Archaeological Society artefacts, including Bronze Age items, ogham stones, period costumes, and 19th-century fashion accessories. Notable displays include a giant deer skull from Swiftsheath, parts of Kilkenny’s first flying machine, and the 15th Ros Tapestry panel, “Battles in the Kingdom of Ossory” (on temporary display). Two John Lavery paintings (a 1909 self-portrait and 1926 portrait of Lady Hazel Lavery) add artistic flair. The museum’s “eclectic” collection, though small, is “intriguing” for what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious”.
- Genealogy Services: As Kilkenny’s designated family history research centre, Rothe House offers access to over 200,000 parish and civil records. A professional genealogist assists with tracing Kilkenny ancestry, available by appointment or online queries (contact visitorexperience@rothehouse.com). This service is a draw for visitors with local roots.
- Gift Shop and Events: The award-winning gift shop promotes Irish crafts, historical books, and souvenirs, described as “unique” and “reasonably priced.” The site hosts events like talks, workshops, and Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish language week), with past highlights including Seamus Heaney’s 1974 lecture. School tours, like one featuring a guide as Rose Archer in costume, are “enthralling” for students.
- Historical Context: Built on a burgage plot once owned by Cistercian monks, Rothe House reflects the Rothe family’s prominence in Kilkenny’s merchant oligarchy. Confiscated after the 1640s Confederation of Kilkenny and again post-Battle of the Boyne, it was restored by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society in 1962. Its English Renaissance style, introduced by the Earl of Ormond, and intact configuration make it nationally significant.
Visitor Expectations:
- A visit lasts 1–2 hours, including a 45-minute guided tour, self-guided exploration, and garden time.
- The €10 guided tour is “well worth it” for its depth, while the €7.50 self-guided option suits those preferring flexibility. The “beautifully preserved” houses, “gorgeous” garden, and “welcoming” staff create a “memorable” experience, rated 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor.
- Online reviewers comment on drawbacks include limited signage (improved post-2023 feedback), cash-only payments in some cases, and partial accessibility (courtyards and garden are wheelchair-accessible, but cobblestones and staircases challenge mobility; call +353 (0)56 7722893 for arrangements).
- The site’s central location, 5 minutes from Kilkenny Castle and Saint Canice’s Cathedral, makes it easy to reach via Bus Éireann (KK1, KK2, 838 to Parliament Street), train to MacDonagh Station (10-minute walk), or car (Market Cross or Market Yard parking).
- Combine with the Medieval Mile Museum, Smithwick’s Experience, or Kilkenny Castle for a full day. Bring sturdy shoes for cobblestones and rain gear for Kilkenny’s weather.
- Operating Hours and Pricing: Open Tuesday–Sunday (closed Mondays), March–October 10:00am–6:00pm, November–February 10:30am–5:00pm, with last admission 1 hour before closing. Guided tours remain at 11:30am and 2:30pm, with garden tours available by pre-booking for groups (minimum numbers apply). Admission prices may adjust slightly; check the website for updates and promotional tie-ins with Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile attractions, such as the new Medieval Museum of Kilkenny at The Tholsel (opening Q2 2025).
Additional Tips:
- Booking: Reserve guided tours online at www.rothehouse.com or call +353 (0)56 7722893, especially for groups or summer visits. Walk-ins are accepted, but pre-booking secures spots.
- Preparation: Bring cash for tickets and the gift shop, as Wi-Fi may affect card payments. Wear sturdy shoes for cobblestones and bring headphones for potential audio guides (available but not standard).
- Getting There: From Dublin, take Irish Rail or Bus Éireann to Kilkenny MacDonagh Station (10-minute walk). Drive via M9 (90 minutes). Park at Market Cross or Market Yard (5-minute walk). Bus stops (KK1, KK2, 838) are outside on Parliament Street.
- Combine Visits: Pair with Kilkenny Castle (5-minute walk), Saint Canice’s Cathedral (5-minute walk), Medieval Mile Museum (2-minute walk), or Smithwick’s Experience (across the street). Jerpoint Abbey (20km) or Dunmore Cave (25km) are nearby day trips.
- Courtyards and garden are wheelchair-accessible, but staircases limit house access. Braille panels aid visually impaired visitors. Guide dogs are allowed; other pets are not.
Rothe House & Garden offers a “beautiful” and “authentic” step into 17th-century Kilkenny, with its restored Tudor townhouse, tranquil garden, and engaging tours, enhanced by Seachtain na Gaeilge and Kilkenny’s thriving tourism scene.
