The John F. Kennedy Arboretum
A garden of presidential proportions
10:00 – 17:00
The John F. Kennedy Arboretum
A garden of presidential proportions
10:00 – 17:00
Limited Access
Arboretum open October - March 10:00 - 17:00.
Free Admission up to 31 December 2020.
Season tickets purchased for 2020 will be valid for 2021.
The main pathway in the arboretum is open, but some of the minor pathways are closed. One way walking system in operation.
Public toilets open, however closed daily between 13:30 and 14:30 for cleaning.
Cafe closed.
Cycling, jogging and skate-boarding (by adults) not permitted.
Slieve Coillte open 10:00 - 15:30 daily. Slieve Coillte may be closed to visitors during periods of adverse weather.
Visitor Centre closed to the public during Level 5 - 3 Covid-19 restrictions.
Admission
Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00
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.
Highlights
Gallery
Opening Times
Open all Year
Last admission 45 minutes before closing.
Average Length of Visit: 1.5 hours.
Seasonal Opening Times
- October – March
Daily 10:00 – 17:00 (Main Arboretum)
- April
Daily 10:00 – 18:30
- May – August
Daily 09:00 – 20:00
- September
Daily 10:00 – 18:30
- Daily Guided Tours
April – October
12 noon & 3pm
Meet at the Visitor CentreGuided Tours can also be booked in advance.
To book Guided Tours please contact (046) 942 6070
Contact
Ballysop,
New Ross,
Co. Wexford
Y34 KA48
046 9426090
jfkarboretum@opw.ie
Facilities
- Bike Trail
- Cafe
- Car park
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Interpretive exhibit
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Toilets
- Walking trails
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Wheelchair Accessible Toilet
Restrictions
- Uneven walkways
Nearby sites to visit
The John F. Kennedy Arboretum
Ballyhack Castle
Savour a sense of the Middle Ages
Approx. 8.7 km from The John F. Kennedy Arboretum
Tintern Abbey
Where monks toiled and legacies were created
Approx. 11.4 km from The John F. Kennedy Arboretum
Reginald’s Tower
Step inside Ireland’s oldest civic building
Approx. 13.5 km from The John F. Kennedy Arboretum
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Social Guide
Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting John F. Kennedy Arboretum. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to John F. Kennedy Arboretum.
Download the Social Guide