Rowlette attended Sligo Grammar School, and entered Trinity College Dublin (TCD) in 1891, graduating in 1895 as a senior moderator in ethics and logic.
[3] Rowlette's varied academic record anticipated a subsequent career in medicine and politics, where he moved between one discipline and the other with apparent ease.
[3] During World War I he served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, with the rank of Lieutenant colonel on his discharge.
[3] His athletic prowess at TCD, particularly in track events, long-distance running, and membership of the Dublin University Harriers, translated into a passionate life interest.
[2] During World War II, he took charge of air-raid casualty preparations in a liaison scheme between Mercer's and St Bricin's military hospital.