The John F. Kennedy Arboretum
A garden of presidential proportions.
The John F. Kennedy Arboretum
A garden of presidential proportions.
Note:
‘Slievecoiltia Viewing Point’ (Located across the main road L4027) is a standalone tourism site in itself, so it is important that the opening times listed under Seasonal Opening Times are noted in advance of visiting. Last Admission is 60 minutes before closing times listed. Hill is prone to visibility issues (coastal fog) therefore, opening times are weather permitting
Admission
Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00
Guides onsite from 1 March 2026.
Guided Tours available daily, from 1 March to October only, at 12:00 and 15:00
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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.
Highlights
Gallery
Opening Times
Arboretum: Open all year
Guides onsite from 1 March 2026.
Open all year but seasonal opening times apply at this site – Click blocks for all details.
‘Slievecoiltia Viewing Point’: (Located across the main road L4027) is a standalone tourism site in itself so it is important that the opening times listed under Seasonal Opening Times are noted in advance of visiting.
Notice
Seasonal Opening Times
- April
Arboretum open – Daily 10:00 – 18:30.
Last Admission 17:30
- May –31 August
Arboretum open :- 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.
- ‘Slievecoiltia’ - Viewpoint
October –March 10:00 – 16:00
April and September 10:00 – 17:30
May-August 10:00 – 19:00
Last Admission is 60 minutes before closing times
Hill is prone to visibility issues (coastal fog) so opening times can be weather permitting
Getting Here
Located 12 km south of New Ross (off R733)
Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions
Facilities
- Bike Trail
- Café
- 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
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 Cistercian 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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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