Editorial: With its storied legacy, Kilkenny's Rothe House marks a proud anniversary
From this week's Kilkenny People
Congratulations to all at Rothe House on the fantastic exhibition which opened last week, marking 60 years since the house first opened to the public as a visitor attraction.
It is truly a birthday worth celebrating. The 16th Century merchant house is now a key part of Kilkenny’s visitor offering, and a source of pride to all who live here, owing to its uniqueness and beautiful presentation. It’s even featured in a Cartoon Saloon animated film!
But this was not always the case. Some are old enough to remember that, back in the 1960s, it was falling into wrack and ruin. That was until a group from the Kilkenny Archaeological Society set out to save the historic Parliament Street property.
The Society’s fundraising campaign even saw appeals to luminaries such as Princess Grace of Monaco, and the Duchess of Westminster. It worked. The first of the three buildings at Rothe House opened on April 17, 1966.
Now, 60 years later, a new exhibition has opened, outlining the key events and individuals who made it all happen, and the restoration project as it evolved. ‘Rothe House 1966-2026: The Restoration’ charts the story of how the mansion was saved, and became Kilkenny’s first dedicated visitor attraction.
There are many familiar names, even for those who weren’t around then – and it’s a lovely insight into our local history. The exhibition runs all summer; make sure not to miss it.
FUEL WOES
One thing the ongoing fuel crisis has shown is that our dependence on fossil fuels is a glaring weakness in our own energy and economic security.
Even the most ardent climate change denialist must accept that our current situation – almost totally reliant on importing endless amounts of oil and gas from afar – looks increasingly untenable.
While windfarms and to a lesser extent, solar farms, have at times proven contentious topics for communities around the county, it’s an issue we may have to come back to.
It’s time the Government steps up and delivers an update of guidelines around the planning process for the kinds of projects, so we all know where we stand.