Rothe House & Garden

14/05/2026

Due to a wedding taking place today, we will be closing admissions to our house and garden at 1.30pm. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Wishing our happy couple all the very best! 💒💞

29/04/2026

📚Fadó Fadó: Kilkenny students recognised for bringing local history to life!🎒

The richness of Kilkenny's local history was celebrated recently at a prizegiving ceremony in the Mayfair Library, where students from across the county were honoured for their work in the 'Fadó Fadó: Sparking Memories - Kilkenny Young Historians' Local History Competition'!

Organised by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society in partnership with Rothe House Trust and the Kilkenny County Council Library Service, the event brought together students, their families and teachers in a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere.

Prizes were presented by archaeologist Cóilín Ó Drisceoil. The winning entry in the Primary section, 'If these walls could talk' by Jane Comerford, traced ten generations of the Comerford family at Coolgreaney House. Second place went to Niamh Carrigan's project on the Carrigan Uilleann Pipers.

The winning entry in the Transition Year section was Adam Staunton's study of Ballyragget Castle and its surrounding townland. While in second place was Enda Cunningham, who traced the origins of Burnchurch.

The competition continues to foster a deep appreciation of local heritage among young people across the county. A huge congratulations and thank you to everyone who was involved in this year's competition! 💐

22/04/2026

🎉Celebrating 60 Years of Rothe House🎉

This past Friday, 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.

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 and over the weekend 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.

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.

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." 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.

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

This project was supported by the Public Commemoration Grant Scheme 2026, funded by Kilkenny County Council and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

18/04/2026

13/04/2026

📣 Free entry to Rothe House & Garden this weekend 🎉

To celebrate 60 years since Rothe House first opened to the public in April 1966, we are delighted to announce free admission to everyone on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of April!

If you have never heard the amazing story of how this one-of-a-kind building was purchased by the people of Kilkenny and then restored to its 16th-century glory, now is your chance because this weekend will also see the unveiling of a new exhibition, 'Rothe House 1966-2026: The Restoration'!

This exhibition will be entirely free of charge and will run until the end of October.

A programme of events will also run throughout that time, so watch this space!

We hope to see you there!😊

Visit Kilkenny Kilkenny Heritage Kilkenny Archaeological Society Kilkenny Chamber Kilkenny PPN Kilkenny County Council KCLR96FM Kilkenny Live The Kilkenny Observer Community Radio Kilkenny City

10/04/2026

Due to a wedding taking place at Rothe House & Garden today, we will be closing to visitors at the earlier time of 1.30pm. Wishing our happy couple all the very best!💕💒

13/03/2026

We can't wait to welcome Fionnuala Fallon to Rothe House to share her wisdom on creating a sustainable perennial cut-flower garden. Fionnuala is a well-know columnist with The Irish Times and runs her own flower farm and florist business.

This event is sure to sell out so book early to avoid disappointment.

🥀Saturday, 21st March
🪻11.00am - 13.00pm
🌹Tickets €20 via Eventbrite.

The workshop will include access to the beautiful garden at Rothe House and Head Gardener Mary Pyke will be on hand to answer questions.

RHSI - Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland The Carlow Garden Trail Gardens of Waterford GardenGuideIreland Visit Kilkenny

Discover how to design and maintain a nature-friendly perennial cut-flower patch, focusing on gardening techniques that support biodiversity

09/03/2026

Join us this Sunday for a magical evening of conversation and music.

Scattered Sessions offers a deep dive into the mesmerizing world of the hammered dulcimer with the incredible Brian Leach.

Brian will give an intimate performance of Irish traditional music, with a pre-concert talk between Brian and musicologist Oisín Quigley exploring how Ireland’s music tradition is evolved by reaching into the ancient world. Q&A with audience will follow.

🖲️ Sunday, 15th March
⏰ 3pm - 5pm
ℹ️ Rothe House & Garden

Kilkenny Tradfest

Scattered Sessions offers a deep dive into the mesmerizing world of the hammered dulcimer with the incredible Brian Leach.

14/02/2026

Wishing a very Happy Valentines Day to the many lovely couples who have said their 'I Do's' here at Rothe House. We have loved helping each and every couple achieve their perfect day and make very special memories.

And of course not forgetting the couples who will celebrate their special day with us this year. We can't wait to welcome your friends and families to this very special venue!

❤️💖💞Love is in the Air ❤️💞💕

We'd love to hear from you if you are looking for a unique venue for your wedding day so please get in touch 🥰

17/01/2026

🌼Garden Blog!🌺

Your garden may be sleeping, but as our Head Gardener points out, "January is the gardener's thinking month"!

Have a read of this month's garden blog to see what little jobs you can be doing to help your garden this month.

https://rothehouse.com/time-for-planning-as-the-garden-takes-its-winter-rest/

23/12/2025

🎁12 Days of Christmas Offers at Rothe House🔔

Today's offer is.... 20% off selected giftware!

Each day up to Christmas we have been discounting various gorgeous products in our retail shop!

Pop in and explore our wide range of high-quality, Irish-made items and beautiful books!🎄