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Garden Name: John F. Kennedy Arboretum
Last Modified: 09/02/2010
Garden ID: 0234

pic: 0234_JFKarboretum.jpg

Owner: Dśchas, The Heritage Service
Address:
New Ross

Co. Wexford
Postcode: 
County: Republic of Ireland

tel: 00353 51 388171
fax: 00353 51 388172
website: www.heritageireland.ie
email: jfkarboretum {at} opw.ie

Features: 
Ericaceous garden, dwarf conifers, hedges, ground covers, climbing plants and lake.

English Heritage Grade:


Opening Times:
All year, except Christmas Day & Good Friday; May - Aug, 10am - 8pm; Apr & Sept, 10am - 6.30pm; Oct - Mar 10am - 5pm. Last admission 45 mins before closing.

Best Times of Year to Visit: 
Apr - May
Sept - Oct.

To see: 
Rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers (750 varieties in all)
Autumn colour, especially maples (170 varieties).

National Collection: 


National Garden Scheme days: No
Comments: 

Parties / Coaches: Yes 
Comments: 

Viewing by Appointment: 
Comments: No, but booking advisable if guided tour required (at no extra charge). 

House Open for Viewing: Yes
Comments: (Visitor Centre)

Admission Prices:
Adult, &#8364; 3, Heritage card &#8364; 20
Child, &#8364; 1, Heritage card &#8364; 7.50
Over 60s, &#8364; 2, Heritage card &#8364; 15
Family, &#8364; 8, Heritage card &#8364; 50, Season ticket &#8364; 28.

Parking: Yes
Lavatories: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Shop: Yes
Plants for Sale: No
Lunches: No
Teas: Yes
Refreshments: Yes
Picnics: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes
Only on Lead: Yes
Events: No

Other Facilities:
Visitor centre with A/V, Play area (7 - 14 years), maze, miniature railway (7 1/4 gauge) afternoons in summer, nature trail and signposted walks.


Designer: The Forest Service & the National Botanic Gardens
Description of Garden:
The Arboretum was established in 1968 and is located 12km south of New Ross off the R733. It is over 250 ha in extent and rises from 36m at its southern boundary to 271m at the summit of Slieve Coillte, the "Mountain of the Woods". Half of the total area is devoted to the Plant Collection, which contains over 4,500 types of trees and shrubs, planted in botanical sequence. Two hundred forest plots of different species, with a separate area allocated to each continent, spread across the higher slopes. The summit, accessible by road, provides panoramic views over six counties.

Special features include an Ericaceous garden, with 750 different rhododendrons, azaleas, and heathers, dwarf conifers, hedges, ground covers and climbing plants. The lake is the most popular part of the Arboretum and is a haven for water fowl.


History: 
The Arboretum was initiated by Irish-Americans in 1968 who wished to create a living memorial to President Kennedy. The Irish Government undertook to meet the additional costs of establishment and maintenance. The Arboretum was part of the Research Branch of the Forest Service for its first 20 years and close liason was maintained with the National Botanic Gardens to ensure its proper development. Like the Research Branch, the Arboretum was placed in Coillte Teoranta, the Irish Forestry Board for 4 years, but in 1993 it was transferred to the the Heritage Service of the Office of Public Works.

Local Inns: 
The Horse & Hound, Ballinaboola, on the N25

Accomodation: 
Creacon Lodge Hotel & Restaurant
Kilmokea Country Manor
Brandon House Hotel

Restaurants: 


Village/Town/Sightseeing: 
New Ross Town & surrounding area