John F Kennedy Arboretum
What is it?The John F Kennedy Arboretum is on the southern slopes and summit of Slievecoiltia, outside New Ross, in Co Wexford. It was planted as a memorial to the American president John F Kennedy, whose great-grandfather came from nearby Dunganstown. Planting on the 250-hectare site began in 1964, and it was officially opened in 1968. Locals know the hill as Woods Mountain, from Sliabh Coillte. (The official translation, Sliabh Coltair, is not quite as apt.)
Why visit?The arboretum has an internationally significant collection of more than 4,500 different trees and shrubs. Its 200 forest plots are divided into areas with trees from each of the five continents. You can see everything from poplars and redwoods – including giant sequoias – to oak, beech, sycamore, maple, pine, spruce and fir. In his book Stopping By Woods: A Guide to the Forests and Woodlands of Ireland (Lilliput Press), Donal Magner writes that, for a young arboretum, it has matured gracefully. "The trees and shrubs have a settled look one associates with far older arboretums and the forest plots have lost the 'plantation' look."
Why now?National Tree Week runs from tomorrow until next Saturday, March 10th. ( Treecouncil.iehas details of events throughout the country.) The arboretum has a free guided forest walk next Thursday at 10.30am. You'll be shown yew, ash, oak, birch, hazel, Scots pine, willow and mountain ash, among others. Also worth looking out for are the tulip tree, Japanese cedar and the ginkgo, or maidenhair tree, the sole survivor of an ancient tree family from 280 million years ago. You might even spot a native red squirrel. You can walk or drive to the summit of Slievecoiltia, which offers views on a clear day over Cos Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow, Wicklow and Kilkenny. Children will enjoy feeding ducks on the lake, navigating the maze and riding on the miniature train. (But you'll have to time your trip to coincide with its operation: the train runs in afternoons from May to September.)
How do I get there?The arboretum is about 12km outside New Ross. Take the R733 for about 10km, then turn left for the arboretum (it's well signposted); the entrance is a little over a kilometre on the right. Opening hours 10am-5pm October to March; 10am-6.30pm April and September; 10am-8pm May to August. Admission: adults €3; senior citizens €2; children and students €1; families €8; 051-388171, heritageireland.ie.
