Dedicated to the memory of U.S President John F. Kennedy, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park stretches across 252 acres, near New Ross in County Wexford, Ireland. It contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all world’s temperate regions. There are 200 forest plots grouped by continent. Of special note is an ericaceous garden with 500 different rhododendrons and many varieties of azalea, heather, dwarf conifers, and climbing plants.
The main arboretum is the perfect place for a gentle stroll, with many trails taking in different parts of the park. You can enjoy the various flora and fauna or head up to the summit of the hill from where you can enjoy panoramic views.
It’s worth spending some time learning about the connection between JFK and Wexford. His great-grandfather Patrick was in fact born in the nearby village of Dunganstown, where you can now find The Kennedy Homestead and museum. JFK also visited Ireland as the US President in 1963, just five months before his assassination.
There are many different parts of the gardens to explore. The forest plots are divided into different zones where you can find trees from across five different continents in the world.
If you prefer to admire some blooming flowers, then you can also explore the rhododendron and azaleas on one of the many trails.
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 meters above sea level.
There is also a visitor center inside the garden, which features some interesting exhibits on JFK, including an audio-visual display of his life. It’s also the official memorial and fountain dedicated to the former US President.
There’s a café that helps you relax after a long walk in the gardens.
It’s a park and arboretum extremely well kept and laid out. The bright and colourful flowers bloom in spring with plenty of trails well marked out, Lake walks, picnic tables and clean surroundings with exceptionally pleasant staff make this place a must-go. A lover of easy walking with a love of plants, flowers, and trees will be the happiest to visit.
https://heritageireland.ie/visit/places-to-visit/the-john-f-kennedy-arboretum/