Discover Ireland’s only 16th-century Merchant House with a guided tour of Rothe House & Garden. Walk through historic rooms, enjoy the peaceful garden, and browse local crafts—all in Kilkenny’s vibrant heart.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels with no strenuous activity involved
Wildlife
History
Rothe House was owned by one of Kilkenny’s most influential merchant families in the 17th century and played a key role in local trade history.
Conservation
The site maintains sustainable practices by preserving its historic buildings using eco-friendly methods and promoting local artisans.
Rothe House & Garden
Discover Ireland’s only 16th-century Merchant House with a guided tour of Rothe House & Garden. Walk through historic rooms, enjoy the peaceful garden, and browse local crafts—all in Kilkenny’s vibrant heart.
Rothe House & Garden in Kilkenny is a preserved example of a 16th-century merchant house complex open to the public. The site consists of interconnected houses, cobbled courtyards and a tranquil walled garden that illustrate late medieval and early modern urban life in Ireland. Rothe House & Garden operates public visits with two main visitor experiences: a Rothe House Self-Guided Tour for independent exploration and a Rothe House Guided Tour led by knowledgeable guides. Both experiences highlight the architecture, period rooms and the history of the Rothe family and Kilkenny’s merchant class.
The property includes The Merchant Shop, which offers items from local artisans, and family-friendly features such as a children’s scavenger hunt included on the self-guided route. Rothe House & Garden is managed as a heritage site that preserves original fabric and public interpretation for visitors. Clear signage, designated visiting routes and staffed entry points support an accessible visit for a wide range of guests. Location information and tour options are provided for planning visits in Kilkenny, County Kilkenny. The site’s focus on historical accuracy, tangible period features and public programming makes it a reliable destination for visitors interested in Irish urban history, heritage architecture and garden spaces.
Visitors are encouraged to check current opening times, ticketing options and seasonal events before arrival. Rothe House & Garden participates in local cultural programming and contributes to Kilkenny’s heritage tourism offering. Photography, accessibility details and group visit arrangements are available from onsite staff and official visitor information sources and local guides.
Location
Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
Historic Kilkenny location
16th-Century
Ireland’s only 16th-century Merchant House
Open to visitors and tours
Tours Offered
2 Tour Options
Self-guided and guided tours available
Merchant Shop
Local Artisan Goods
Shop features items from local artisans
Book a guided tour or enjoy a self-guided exploration — check opening times and ticket options before arriving.
Arrive Early for Quiet Moments
Getting there early allows you to enjoy the gardens and historic interiors with fewer visitors.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cobblestones and uneven surfaces mean sturdy footwear is essential for a safe visit.
Take Advantage of Guided Stories
Listen closely to the guides to uncover fascinating details about Ireland’s mercantile past.
Support Local Artisans
Browse the Merchant Shop to find handcrafted Irish gifts and souvenirs.
Comfortable walking shoes
Sturdy shoes help navigate cobbled courtyards and uneven paths comfortably.
Light rain jacket
Weather can be unpredictable, so packing a rain jacket ensures comfort during rainy days.
spring|fall|winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture the historic architecture and tranquil garden scenes during your visit.
Comfortable clothing layers
Layered clothing keeps you warm during the cooler months while exploring outdoors.
winter