Rothe House and Garden continues to develop into the future as a landmark Kilkenny tourist attraction with its new Renaissance Project underway.
The significant makeover for the historical city property is the final piece of a conservation plan commissioned in 2002 and will continue in two phases over the next 12 months.
“We have an exciting 12 months ahead of us to complete this project,” said Joe Ledwidge, project manager.
“We look forward to presenting Rothe House and Garden to our visitors in a new light.”
County Manager Joe Crockett said it was a great day for Kilkenny with a piece of history being made. The project is supported by the local authorities and Failté Ireland.
Phase one of the project will continue until mid-June and will involve the refitting of the Third House with the Kilkenny Archaeological Society’s library and the FÁS local training initiative will be re-located their during the summer.
The ground floor will house an exhibition space and coffee shop as well as a meeting room available for hire. Approximately 40 craftsmen are expected to employed on this phase of the project.
Phase two will begin in November with the development of an exciting new exhibition space throughout the first and second houses in the complex, telling the story of the Rothe family, the house and the history of 17th century Kilkenny.
The plan has already seen the reconstruction of the 17th century garden, opened by President Mary McAleese in November 2008, and an archaeological dig has taken place on site along with conservation and maintenance works.
Bernadette Dermody, president of KAS, said the society was proud of the work which had been undertaken over the years in securing the future of the house since it was saved from destruction in 1962.
She said the new project would see Rothe House and Garden take pride of place among the heritage buildings of Ireland.
