Museum

The museum at Rothe House contains a variety of articles of archaeological and historical interest, most of them found locally or presented by citizens of Kilkenny.

Our collection of artefacts appears on rotation throughout each year and includes pewter ware, stone axes, a Viking sword, some interesting old prints, and a plan of the old Kilkenny Theatres.

Medieval carved stone architectural fragments are also to be seen in the second courtyard.

Museum Exhibitions

Since Rothe House possesses a large collection of artefacts, more than we can display at any one time, new exhibitions are created frequently to give repeat visitors a chance to see the entire collection.

Conservation of a Medieval Roof Beam: This beam was found in Potters’ Shop on High Street which was being demolished, recognised for what it was and presented to the Kilkenny Archaeological Society. Two years ago, with the assistance of a bequest left by long time member of the KAS Council, Dorcas Birthistle, the beam was sent to Conservation Letterfrack in County Galway to be conserved. At long last, the beam returned to Rothe House in August this year, and is now on display in the Third House.  It is a magnificent Oak beam, with delicate carvings, and  estimated to be late medieval, although we are still awaiting the results of dendrochronology testing to give a more definite date.  

The Lanigan Room

In August 2009, the Museum Committee launched a new exhibition of Archaeological Artefacts in the Lanigan Room. This included the installation of information panels, which provide an insight into the lives of Irish people from over 10,000 years ago.  Fossils, stone axeheads, flints and other fascinating artefacts are now on display with new lighting and explanations.