About
Rothe House and Garden stands on Parliament Street in Kilkenny, in the Leinster region of Ireland. It is a fine example of a 16th-century Tudor merchant's house, and a visit gives a clear sense of how a prosperous townsman of that period lived and worked.
The house and its garden
The house is the main attraction, and its layout and character reward a slow walk through. Alongside it, the reconstructed period gardens offer a quieter setting, where the plantings and design aim to reflect the garden of an earlier age. Together the house and garden make a visit that is as much about atmosphere as about individual objects.
A museum and research library
The building now houses the museum and research library of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society. Visitors interested in local history, archaeology and the story of the town will find this a useful place to learn more about Kilkenny's past.
What to combine with your visit
- Parliament Street and the surrounding streets of the old town, which give a sense of Kilkenny's medieval and early modern character.
- Other attractions in Kilkenny, all within walking distance of the centre.
- A stop to sit in the garden before or after exploring the house.
If you are interested in Tudor-era domestic life, historic gardens, or local archaeology, Rothe House and Garden makes a focused and rewarding stop. To check current arrangements before you go, you can call the house on +353 56 772 2893.
