Rothe House

Rothe House, is a unique Irish 16th century merchant's townhouse complex located in the city of Kilkenny, Ireland. The complex was built by John Rothe Fitz-Piers between 1594–1610 and is made up of three houses, three enclosed courtyards, and a large reconstructed garden with orchard.

Rothe House is considered to be nationally significant because of the wide range of original post-medieval features which survive in good condition in Ireland. The property, an important element of Kilkenny's heritage, is owned by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society and houses some of the society's collection of artefacts relating to Kilkenny City, County and Ireland.

The garden to the rear of the house has been reconstructed to reflect a typical 17th-century garden. The burgage plot on which Rothe House was built survives intact one of a few in such an unaltered state. Kilkenny's medieval city wall forms part of the curtilage of the Rothe House complex.

History

The Rothes were merchants foremost, however, they were also involved in politics. They ware part of an oligarchy of around ten families who controlled Kilkenny throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, and into 17th century. Rothe house was constructed on burgage plot John Rothe Fitz Piers acquired.