Step into Ireland’s only 16th-century merchant house and uncover Kilkenny’s trading history. Wander through historic buildings, enjoy leisurely gardens, and engage with local artisans in this memorable self-guided tour.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels
Wildlife
History
Rothe House was built around 1594 and was part of Kilkenny’s bustling trade district, serving affluent merchants of the era.
Conservation
Preservation efforts focus on maintaining the historic fabric of the buildings and promoting sustainable tourism in Kilkenny.
Rothe House & Garden
Step into Ireland’s only 16th-century merchant house and uncover Kilkenny’s trading history. Wander through historic buildings, enjoy leisurely gardens, and engage with local artisans in this memorable self-guided tour.
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.
Wear comfortable shoes
The uneven historic floors and cobblestone courtyards are best navigated in sturdy footwear.
Visit during weekdays
Weekdays tend to be less crowded, giving you more space to explore the historic rooms at your own pace.
Bring a camera or smartphone
Capture the character of the historic architecture and tranquil garden scenes.
Participate in the scavenger hunt
Engage children with the fun activity designed to teach about the site's history.
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for navigating uneven historic floors and cobblestone paths comfortably.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Layered clothing ensures comfort during variable Irish weather.
spring|fall|winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture the architecture and garden scenes during your tour.
Small backpack or bag
Convenient for carrying essentials like water, snacks, or a guidebook.