The John F. Kennedy Arboretum Highlights (3)
The Visitor Centre
Just across the road from the main car park is the Visitor Centre. Built in Liscannor stone and Western Red Cedar its courtyard incorporates the Kennedy Memorial fountain carved from Wicklow Granite.
There are two exhibitions, one dedicated to the late President John F. Kennedy, the other to explain the workings of an Arboretum. Close by you will find the Tea Rooms (Café), with a picnic site and playground.
From March to October free guided tours are available at 12noon and 3pm daily (meeting point at the Visitor Centre). Hear all about the history of the Arboretum and its remarkable plant collection. (Guided tours can also be booked for a time that suits you and group bookings are also welcome). From March to October there are a range of themed tours and events, details of these can be found on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
The arboretum is one of the most ambitiously planted tree collections in Europe. In all there are 5,000 species and varieties of trees and shrubs represented in the collections. A sinuous road runs for over three kilometres amongst these, providing ever changing vistas of the tree collections.
Within the arboretum there are a number of trails through areas of native woodland that is home to a flourishing red squirrel population.
You can end your visit to the arboretum with a drive to the viewing point on Sliabh Coillte, which at 271m provides a view over the whole Arboretum as well as of six counties.
Discovery Trail
In 2018 the John F. Kennedy Arboretum introduced a new Discovery Trail as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations. The Discovery Trail encourages family fun, literacy and exercise. It is enjoyed by visitors both young and old. Collect your free trail brochure at the Visitor Centre.
