
Rothe House and Garden
A beautifully restored 16th-century merchant's house and its enchanting walled garden, offering a peaceful escape in Kilkenny.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Rothe House and Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully restored 16th-century merchant's house and its enchanting walled garden, offering a peaceful escape in Kilkenny.
"Rothe House & Garden is truly a secret garden in the middle of the city of Kilkenny, Ireland."

🎯 Explore the Garden First
Many visitors find the garden a highlight; start here to soak in the tranquility before the house tour. :seedling:
🎧 Use the Audio Tour
QR codes in each room offer an informative audio tour, great for self-paced exploration. :iphone:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Walled Garden
Rear of the house
A secret urban oasis with diverse plants, herbs, and fruit trees. A peaceful escape perfect for a picnic.

Restored 16th-Century Merchant House
Main building
Step back in time in this beautifully preserved home, showcasing merchant life from centuries ago.

Herb and Vegetable Gardens
Within the walled garden
Discover historical planting methods and a vibrant array of seasonal produce and medicinal herbs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Embrace the Self-Guided Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore the Garden First
Many visitors find the garden a highlight; start here to soak in the tranquility before the house tour. :seedling:
🎧 Use the Audio Tour
QR codes in each room offer an informative audio tour, great for self-paced exploration. :iphone:
🧺 Picnic Potential
The garden is an ideal spot for a picnic lunch on a sunny day. :sandwich:
📅 Check for Events
Rothe House hosts workshops, music sessions, and festivals – check their schedule! :calendar:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore the Garden First
Many visitors find the garden a highlight; start here to soak in the tranquility before the house tour. :seedling:
🎧 Use the Audio Tour
QR codes in each room offer an informative audio tour, great for self-paced exploration. :iphone:
🧺 Picnic Potential
The garden is an ideal spot for a picnic lunch on a sunny day. :sandwich:
📅 Check for Events
Rothe House hosts workshops, music sessions, and festivals – check their schedule! :calendar:
🛍️ Support Local Artisans
The gift shop features unique crafts from local designers and makers. :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Rothe House and Garden as a hidden gem in Kilkenny, particularly highlighting the beauty and tranquility of its walled garden. The restored house offers a fascinating glimpse into history, and the staff are noted for their warmth and helpfulness. While some may prefer a guided tour, the audio option is well-received.
"Rothe house and garden is well worth a visit. The young woman welcoming guests in the shop was a delight and we received a warm welcome and helpful information. The garden is beautiful in all seasons but we particularly enjoyed all the fall colors and textures, the herbs especially, the yellow pippins, the dried artichokes, and the many beautiful dahlias."
Beth Newman
"Roth House and garden is truly a secret garden in the middle of the city of Kilkenny, Ireland. It’s a very old walled garden, but you’d never know it was there unless you looked for it. It is behind a wonderful old house. This man accumulated the land and built this wonderful garden years ago, in the back of his home. Now it is open for the public to see for a small fee. First, you must go for a self-guided tour through the house then you come to this amazing walled garden. It’s not like a huge estate garden where everything is trimmed and perfect. This is more like a wild garden where plants can be natural and grow as they would like to and fall over and get entangled. There’s mixtures of so many different kinds of plants. There are some beautiful, trimmed trees and hedges and vegetable gardens and fruit trees, apple trees, a grape Arbor. It’s perfect place for birds and insects to do their thing. I was lucky to discover it on a nice sunny day and there were a few other people around, but it’s a perfect place to go and have a picnic. Here are some pictures of the house,that lead you to the garden and several videos of walking through the garden. The garden is only as wide as the house 70 feet maybe but it goes back forever several hundred feet. There is a small gift shop at the front and I believe you can buy plants there as well. A peaceful and tranquil place to visit. 🌞🦋🌻"
Don B Leask
"The gardens are beautiful. Unfortunately we were not able to take a guided tour but there are QR codes in each room for an audio tour which tell the history of the house and lots of good signage so we were still able to enjoy it. The gardens are beautiful, and the signage there is great as well, telling you about what was planted and how it was used. The whole family enjoyed this stop."
Rebecca Howell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rothe House and Garden is centrally located at 16 Parliament St, Kilkenny City. It's easily accessible on foot if you're already in the city center. For those arriving by car, there are several public car parks nearby, though they can be busy. Public transport options to Kilkenny are also available, with the house being a short walk from the bus and train stations.
Absolutely! Rothe House is right in the heart of Kilkenny city, making it very walkable from most accommodations and attractions. If you're visiting from further afield, the train and bus stations are within easy walking distance.
There are several car parks in Kilkenny city, including the Market Yard Car Park and Rose Inn Street Car Park, which are a short walk from Rothe House. Be aware that parking can be paid and may be limited during peak times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Typically, the house and garden are open for tours until late afternoon, with the shop often staying open a bit longer. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
There is a small fee for entry, which grants you access to both the house and the garden. Prices are generally very reasonable, offering excellent value for the historical experience.
While advance booking isn't always mandatory, it's recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or for special events. This ensures you secure your spot and can often streamline your entry.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use in the house and garden, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or in certain exhibition areas.
Yes, guided tours are often available and highly recommended by visitors for their insightful commentary on the history of the house and its inhabitants. Alternatively, QR codes provide an audio tour for a self-guided experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Rothe House offers a glimpse into 16th-century merchant life with its restored house featuring original timber ceilings and period furnishings. The highlight for many is the extensive walled garden, a tranquil urban oasis with diverse plantings, herbs, and fruit trees.
Absolutely! The walled garden is frequently praised as a 'secret garden' and a beautiful escape within the city. It's meticulously maintained with a variety of plants, making it a delight for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Rothe House is the only surviving example of an urban merchant's house from the 16th century in Ireland. It provides invaluable insight into the domestic and commercial life of the period.
Yes, Rothe House frequently hosts a variety of events, including traditional music sessions, craft workshops (like embroidery), and culinary workshops, especially during festival times.
Yes, there is a gift shop located at the front of the house. It offers a selection of unique crafts from local Irish designers and makers, making it a great place to find souvenirs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Rothe House itself does not have a restaurant, but it is located in the heart of Kilkenny city, which offers a wide array of cafes, pubs, and restaurants just a short walk away.
The garden is a perfect spot for a picnic. Visitors often bring their own food to enjoy amidst the beautiful surroundings, making it a lovely, relaxed experience.
Given its central location, you'll find numerous options nearby. From traditional Irish pubs serving hearty meals to charming cafes offering lighter fare, Kilkenny city has something to suit every taste.
📸 📸 Photography
The walled garden offers numerous picturesque corners, especially with its diverse flora and charming pathways. The historic architecture of the house, including its timber ceilings, also provides excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged in the garden to capture its beauty. It's a popular spot for photographers looking for serene and historic backdrops.
While personal photography is usually allowed, it's advisable to check with staff regarding the use of tripods, especially during busy periods or for professional shoots, to ensure it doesn't obstruct other visitors.
The garden benefits from soft, natural light, making mornings and late afternoons ideal for capturing its charm. The interior of the house has a more subdued light, so consider using a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the house provides historical context, the garden's open space and varied plants can capture a child's imagination. The audio tour via QR codes allows families to move at their own pace, ensuring everyone stays engaged. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the garden for a relaxed family outing.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
The tranquil garden is a perfect spot for quiet contemplation or enjoying a book. The central location in Kilkenny also makes it easy to combine with other city explorations, and the friendly staff at the gift shop are always happy to offer local tips.
🎨 Art and Craft Enthusiasts
Furthermore, the venue itself is a beautiful backdrop for artists. Photographers will find the garden and historic architecture incredibly inspiring, while those interested in textiles might enjoy embroidery workshops.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into 16th-Century Life
Walking through the house, you can almost imagine the daily routines of the Rothe family. The restoration efforts have focused on authenticity, providing a tangible connection to the past. This historical significance makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in Irish history and architecture.
The Enchanting Walled Garden
The garden features a diverse array of plants, including a variety of herbs, fruit trees, and seasonal flowers. Visitors can learn about historical planting practices and the uses of different plants. It's a vibrant ecosystem that attracts birds and insects, adding to its charm. Many visitors find the garden to be the highlight of their visit, making it an ideal spot for a picnic.
Community and Events at Rothe House
For instance, the garden has been a venue for intimate music performances during festivals, offering a unique ambiance. Craft workshops, such as embroidery sessions, provide hands-on creative experiences for visitors. Checking their schedule is highly recommended to see what's happening during your visit, as these events often add an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit