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Heritage Ireland

The John F. Kennedy Arboretum

A garden of presidential proportions.

See all opening times

The John F. Kennedy Arboretum

A garden of presidential proportions.

See all opening times

Admission

Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00

Guides on site from 29 February 2024.

Guided Tours available daily at 12:00 and 15:00

Getting here

Ballysop
New Ross
Co. Wexford
Y34 KA48

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The John F. Kennedy Arboretum

Dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy, whose great-grandfather, Patrick, was born in the nearby village of Dunganstown, this arboretum near New Ross, County Wexford, contains a plant collection of presidential proportions.

It covers a massive 252 hectares on the summit and southern slopes of Slieve Coillte and contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world. There are 200 forest plots grouped by continent. Of special note is an ericaceous garden with 500 different rhododendrons and many varieties of azalea and heather, dwarf conifers and climbing plants.

The lake is perhaps the most picturesque part of the arboretum and is a haven for waterfowl. There are amazing panoramic views from the summit of the hill, 271 metres above sea level. A visitor centre houses engaging exhibitions on JFK and on the Arboretum itself.

Opening Times

Current Openings:

Daily 10:00 – 17:00

Last Admission 16:00

Average Length of Visit 1.5 Hours.

Guides onsite from 29 February 2024

Open all year but seasonal opening times apply at this site – Click blocks for all details.

Notice

Tearooms are currently closed .

 

Seasonal Opening Times

April

Arboretum open – Daily 10:00 – 18:30.

Last Admission 17:30

May –31 August

Arboretum open May to 31 August – Daily 10:00 – 20:00.

Last Admission 19:00

September

Arboretum open – Daily 10:00 – 18:30.

Last Admission 17:30

October - March

Daily 10:00 – 17:00 .

Last Admission 16:00

Average Length of Visit: 1.5 hours.

Contact

Ballysop
New Ross
Co. Wexford
Y34 KA48

0469423490

Getting Here

Located 12 km south of New Ross (off R733)

Open location in Google Maps

Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions

Facilities

  • Bike Trail
  • Car park
  • Card Accepted
  • Challenging Access
  • Dogs allowed
  • Exhibition
  • Guided tours
  • Interpretive exhibit
  • Picnic Area
  • Playground
  • Toilets
  • Walking trails
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Wheelchair Accessible Toilet

Restrictions

  • Challenging Access
  • Tearoom closed
  • Uneven walkways

Resources

Permanent Orienteering Courses

We have four Permanent Orienteering Courses for our visitors to choose from (see attached) designed in conjunction with IOA (Irish Orienteering Ireland)

Short

Medium

Long

Wheel-O (Buggy/Wheelchair Accessible)

Answers

Nearby sites to visit

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