Page created February 2004

A discreet monogram and attractive reminder of the major  restoration undertaken by Timothy O'Hanrahan who became the owner of the house in 1896, and greatly improved what had become a very run-down property. A more public record of his work is recorded in Irish on a plaque on the west wall of the second house. It reads, in translation: Your prayers are requested for Timothy O'Hanrahan either alive or dead. He restored and improved this house in the year of our Lord 1898.

Those who purchased and secured Rothe House in 1962 did not look for any record of their actions: the House as it stands today is a huge and fitting memorial. Their foresight and courage in taking on such a challenge in the days before the Celtic tiger began to roar is appreciated in Kilkenny and throughout the world.

Rothe House has been well served by Kilkenny Archaeological Society during its forty years of stewardship. A voluntary body, it has through huge effort in manning and fundraising over those years rescued and preserved a unique reminder of 16th century Kilkenny. The complex has been brought from two run-down houses in multiple occupancy and a third house in ruins, to a unified national treasure. Having secured the property for the future it now recognises that a high level of professionalism is required to provide the experience required by tourists in the 21st century.

It is hoped that a few of the many photographs which have been taken, often in association with alterations, will convey to those not conversant with Rothe House, the magnificent work which has been done.

The front house in the 19th century. Thought to date to c.1870.	The front house before the restoration of 1983-85. See the navigation bar for a photograph immediately after this restoration.