John F. Kennedy Arboretum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John F. Kennedy Arboretum |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Location | New Ross, County Wexford |
| Created | 1968 |
| Status | Open all year |
The John F. Kennedy Arboretum is a special park in County Wexford, Ireland. It's located on the Hook Head Peninsula, near New Ross. This amazing place is managed by the Irish government and is open for everyone to enjoy!
Contents
About the Arboretum
This huge park covers about 252 hectares (620 acres) (that's like 622 acres!). It's home to an incredible collection of around 4,500 different kinds of trees and shrubs from all over the world. It's a fantastic place to learn about plants and enjoy nature.
Why is it called John F. Kennedy Arboretum?
The arboretum is named after John F. Kennedy, who was the President of the United States. His great-grandfather was born in a nearby village called Dunganstown in 1820. Because of this family connection, President Kennedy visited Wexford in the summer of 1963. Sadly, he passed away later that year. The arboretum was created to honor his memory and his visit to Ireland.
How the Arboretum Started
The John F. Kennedy Arboretum officially opened on May 29, 1968. The President of Ireland at that time, Éamon de Valera, opened the park. Many people helped make this arboretum possible, especially Americans who had Irish family roots. They gave money to help build this beautiful park.
Exploring the Park
The arboretum has a special road that winds its way up to the top of a hill called Slievecoiltia. From the summit, you can see amazing views of the Hook Head Peninsula and the areas around it. It's a great spot for taking photos and enjoying the scenery.
Memorial to 1798
At the top of Slievecoiltia, there is a memorial. This memorial remembers the people who were involved in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. This was a time when people in Ireland fought for their independence. The memorial helps us remember this important part of Irish history.
Images for kids
-
Sunrise at the lake.
-
The ericaceous garden has more than a 1,000 varieties of rhododendron and heather, making it one of the most colourful sites in the arboretum in spring.
-
A pair of Monkey Puzzle trees (Araucaria araucana) on the main vista outside the JFK Arboretum visitors centre.
See also
In Spanish: John-F.-Kennedy-Arboretum para niños
