Rothe House & Garden, Co. Kilkenny

Rothe House is a unique Irish merchant's townhouse built in the Tudor period between 1594 and 1610. The property comprises three houses, three enclosed courtyards and a large garden. John Rothe, who was a wealthy merchant and landowner in Kilkenny, built the first house in 1594 and as his family grew (to 12 children) he build the second and third houses. The property is now owned by Kilkenny Archaeological Society, and is home to their large collection of artefacts relating to Kilkenny city and county. The garden to the rear of the house has been reconstructed to reflect a typical 17th century garden of the period. It will open to the public for the first time in 2008. It measures 1/2 acre approx. and is made up of two enclosed spaces, with a large Orchard to the west beside the City Wall, and a pleasure garden and vegetable garden to the east beside the Third House.

Situated	In the heart of Kilkenny City, on the route between Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral. Access is on Parliament Street.
Open	House: throughout the year. Garden: to open in spring of 2008. House: Apr-Oct: Mon-Sat 10.30-17.00. Sun 15.00-17.00. Nov-Mar: Mon-Sat 10.30-16.30. Garden: Open during the daytime.
Admission	Adults: 5 euro. Adult Groups (10+): 3 euro. Students and OAPs: 4 euro. Children (under 16) 4 euro.
Facilities	Toilets, shop. Lectures, concerts and outreach activities for children take place throughout the year. Family History Service also available. Special interest tours of House & Garden available.
Contact	Roisin McQuillan, Rothe House & Gardens, Parliament Street, Kilkenny. Tel./Fax. +353 56 7722893 Email: rothehouse@eircom.net Web Site: www.rothehouse.com