A town that features prominently in Irish history is New Ross in county Wexford having been a very important port during the Middle Ages. Today though it is mostly well known for its most famous export, the Kennedys, Americas most famous Irish-American family. It was in New Ross where the great grandparents of John F Kennedy were born, bred and lived prior to emigrating to America in the mid 19th century and founding a political dynasty. This was later re-iterated in John F Kennedys visit to Ireland in 1963 where he acknowledged and paid tribute to his ancestors homeplace and town.
Today his visit is commemorated by two features, the Kennedy Homestead, his family’s original dwelling which is now a cultural museum and Visitor centre and The John F Kennedy Arboretum a plant collection of international standing situated over 623 acres of land by the summit of Slieve Coillte.
Along with its history it has a number of tourist attractions. The surrounding countryside and Barrow river provide angling and boating opportunities and some scenic walks. New Ross is within close proximity to some of the most scenic spots of Wexford county including the Hook Peninsula which is only 24 miles south and the beach and village of Duncannon only 13 miles away. In June it hosts the JFK Dunbrody festival which centers on live music.