John F Kennedy Arboretum, Wexford

The arboretum is dedicated to the memory of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, President of the United States of America from 1960 to 1963. While trees are the prime interest of the arboretum, a wide variety of shrubs are included. Over 4,500 individual species or varieties have been planted and the collection will ultimately total some 6,000.

The forest plots are divided into areas containing trees from each of the five continents. A particularly colourful feature is the ericaceous garden with rhododendrons, azaleas and heathers. The Visitor Centre in Liscannor stone and Western red cedar with copper roofing includes the Kennedy memorial and fountain, a lobby with explanatory display and an Audio Visual Room. There are walks in pleasant parkland with convenient shelters and resting points. Group guided walks are provided by arrangement. A miniature railway is operated and is very popular with the young.

The shop and café, with adjoining picnic space (including tables and water supply) are within a short distance of the car park at the Visitor Centre. A Guide Book on the arboretum may be purchased on site.

John F Kennedy Arboretum Map

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