Rothe House

The original remit from 2006, to oversee the repair and maintenance of the late 16th /early 17th Century complex of buildings in Kilkenny in accordance with an appproved Conservation Plan, has subsequently expanded into two significant projects;

• Restoration of John Rothe' Medieval Garden & Orchard. The design was informed by extensive Archeological investigations and led by the description of the garden contained in John Rothe's will. The design team, of Conservation Architect, Structural Engineer, Horticulturalist and Archeologist, was an unusual but effective combination. The €500,000 project has re-established the only fully intact burrage plot in Ireland.
• Conversion and extension of the 3rd House. Following relocation of the Heritage Council to the nearby Bishops Palace, it is now possible to re-interpret the three houses comprising the Rothe House complex along with the gardens, to allow their interpretation by visitors as a complete ensemble. The €2.8M project will provide a new visitor experience in Kilkenny, and will achieve universal access throughout. Planning Permission for the new facilities to contemporary designs, constructed mainly in oak timbers, was gained in eight weeks after extensive consultations with the statutory bodies and will include new research, library and café facilities.