The John F. Kennedy Arboretum in County Wexford is a bit of a baffling attraction to me, I basically don’t see the connection between JFK and dendrology (which, to the uninitiated among us, is the science of trees). The Wexford connection is better defined, as the ancestors of the first Irish-American Catholic president of the United States came from here. But then maybe the quote in the source says it all: “Don’t ask …” And without a doubt, something was done here for the country. It is a fabulous park that offers long walks and a relaxing and tame nature experience.
With a global twist.
The origins of the JFK arboretum
As mentioned above, the arboretum is dedicated to the memory of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, President of the United States of America from 1960 to 1963. Finances came primarily from Irish-Americans and the site just a dozen kilometers south of New Ross (take R733 and follow signs) was chosen as Kennedy Homestead is quite close. Well, Wexford also has a very favorable climate for all things growing so it would be the right place to house a plant collection anyway. And what a collection of plants it is, internationally renowned and accessible to the public.
The JFK Arboretum Today
The total area of the park covers about 252 hectares on the southern slopes and the summit of Slievecoiltia (or Slieve Coillte, the “Hill of the Forest”), some areas are less obvious parts of the arboretum. Today around 4,500 types of trees and shrubs can be found in the arboretum. These have been collected from all temperate regions of the world and planted in ‘botanical sequence’. That means as you walk through the park you will walk through a dendrology life guide. If you take the time to read the signs and dive in.
Two hundred forest parcels are grouped by continent. So at one end of the arboretum you are walking through a landscape of American trees, at the other end through a Chinese forest. Again, you will need to do a bit of your own research on “where in the world” you are right now. This is not a theme park where costumed staff and man-made structures provide ‘local color’.
A special feature to note is the Ericaceous Garden with no less than five hundred different rhododendrons plus a variety of varieties of azaleas and heather. Especially in spring and early summer, this is a riot of flowers and colors. Very popular with visitors is the central lake species with its population of waterfowl.
Right outside the main entrance door, a fairly steep and winding path will give you easy access to the summit of Slievecoiltia. From a height of just under 270 meters you can enjoy panoramic views in good weather.
Experiencing the JFK Arboretum as a casual visitor
Having said all that … if you’re not a certified tree-hugging enthusiast, is it worth going? Is this only for those in the know or is the JFK Arboretum worth a detour for the casual visitor?
It is. In any case, what you will find is a huge and well-kept park with a botanical variety that certainly provides interest in every season. The interlocking paths, from paved driveways to wooded grassy trails, make for a relaxing hike in natural surroundings. There are no really dangerous areas (although children should be watched near the lake and discouraged from picking flowers and climbing trees) and almost all areas are accessible to people with mobility problems. And you can even bring your dog as long as it’s on a leash.
In addition to the park itself, there is a visitor center near the main parking lot, which houses permanent and temporary exhibitions and has an introductory audiovisual show. Access for people with disabilities. Guided tours for groups also start here from April to September.
Nearby is a small but well-stocked cafe with an adjoining souvenir shop (although I am surprised why soccer balls are sold within walking distance of a sign prohibiting ball games in the park). Within walking distance, a large play area will keep the kids happy.
A paintbrush with a history from 1798
If you are interested in Irish history, take the trail up to the summit of Slievecoiltia (this can be done without going in and paying for the main visitor area). Here a memorial stone is dedicated to those who fought in the 1798 rebellion. The rebel army of rebels camped here for a time. Today, the stone is all that remains …
