John F. Kennedy Arboretum

Welcome to the John F. Kennedy Arboretum, a magnificent 252-hectare estate dedicated to the memory of the 35th President of the United States. …

Our tour begins at the Visitor Centre, where the story of the Kennedy family and the founding of the arboretum is meticulously told. Here, you can delve into the history of the Kennedys in Wexford, from their humble beginnings as…

As we walk further into the estate, we encounter the heart of the scientific collection: the International Tree Collections. These are organized into plots based on botanical families and geographic regions. …

If you are visiting in late spring, you will be treated to one of the most spectacular displays in the arboretum: the Azalea and Rhododendron Garden. This area is home to an extensive collection of these vibrant, acid-loving…

For those willing to take a bit of a hike, the ascent to the summit of Slieve Coillte is an absolute must. At 271 meters, this hill provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire South East of Ireland. …

Nestled in a sheltered hollow of the estate is the arboretum’s lake, a serene body of water that serves as a sanctuary for a variety of waterfowl and aquatic plants. The lake is a man-made feature, carefully designed to blend…

In addition to the ornamental and scientific collections, the JFK Arboretum features a series of forest plots that explore the potential of different tree species for commercial forestry in Ireland. These plots were established…

Our exploration of the John F. Kennedy Arboretum has taken us across continents and through centuries of history. …