Rothe House

Step into the heart of medieval Kilkenny, a city that has preserved its historical character perhaps better than any other in Ireland. You are standing before Rothe House, a magnificent late 16th-century merchant’s townhouse…

The first house, facing directly onto Parliament Street, was the public face of John Rothe's commercial and political empire. This was where he conducted his business as a merchant, exporting and importing goods from as far away…

Stepping into the first courtyard, we transition into the second part of the complex, built as John Rothe's family and wealth continued to expand. This second house was necessary to accommodate his eleven children and their…

In the third house of the complex, we find the essential services that kept the Rothe household running: the kitchen and the brewery. These rooms provide a stark contrast to the elegant living quarters. …

The third house represents the final stage of construction on the burgage plot, intended for John Rothe’s eldest son, Peter, and his wife. However, this building also tells the story of the family's eventual decline and departure…

To understand Rothe House, one must understand its place in the wider layout of Kilkenny. John Rothe like to describe the city as being laid out like a fish. …

Finally, we emerge into the extensive garden of Rothe House. For many years, this area was hidden, even serving as a car park at one stage. …

Our tour of Rothe House and Garden has taken us through the remarkable life and legacy of John Rothe, a man whose ambition and success are etched into every stone of this complex. We have explored the three houses that housed his…