Rothe House & Garden

Service Description

House & Garden was built between 1594 and 1610. This was once the home and place of business of John Rothe and Rose Archer, one of Kilkenny’s wealthiest, most influential merchant families. The three-storied houses are connected by cobbled courtyards, expansive enough for a family that grew to have eleven children, as well as the house & garden staff that would have been necessary to run such an important household. Today, you can explore this one-of-a-kind house, a symbol of the status and importance that the city of Kilkenny had in the early 1600s. Through the houses and across the cobbled courtyards, there is a dramatic rise to a magnificently restored garden that reaches back to the original city wall. Step back in time and see what life was like for a wealthy 17th century merchant and his family. Visit Ireland’s best-preserved Tudor townhouse and garden – right in the heart of Kilkenny city. Join a guided tour to get the complete story of John Rothe and his family or explore at your leisure on a self-guided tour – wander through the three houses, cobbled courtyards and restored garden to get a sense of what it was truly like for a family to live here. Entrance to the restored garden is included in general admission – the perfect place to relax and escape the crowds. Genealogy Services I Historical Books I Gift Shop I Events Guided tours daily, please check our website for the most up-to-date tour times. Self-guided tours available at any time during opening hours. Last admission is one hour before closing time. We offer daily guided tours in the morning and afternoon. From September to June, tours are at 11.30am and 2.30pm, while in July and August tours are at 11.00am, 2.30pm and 4.00pm. You’re invited to ask questions and to explore the buildings and gardens at your leisure afterwards. You can take a self-guided tour any time you want during our opening hours.

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