Tourism in New Ross
New Ross is a thriving Town set in rich rolling coutryside on the banks of the river Barrow.
New Ross is home to the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a full size replica of the 19th century ship, which was built in 1845, used to transport emigrants to North America.
New Ross is also the ancestral birthplace of John F. Kennedy, five generations of the Kennedy clan are celebrated at the Kennedy homestead and a lifesize statue of John F. Kennedy stands on the quay of New Ross.
TopTourism Attractions and things to do in County Wexford
Further details of just some of the many attractions New Ross has to offer are listed below....
John F. Kennedy Statue
President Kennedy’s visit to Ireland in 1963 was a pivotal moment in Irish history and is commemorated by a statue on the quayside, which was unveiled in 2008 by New Ross Town Council.
New Ross is the ancestral home of President John F Kennedy. It was on the quay of New Ross that his Great Grandfather boarded a Famine Ship bound for America.
President Kennedy embodied the ultimate success story of the Irish emigrant family, from famine emigrant to the most powerful man in the world in three generations.
More than that, his visit and the inspiring speeches he delivered were to change forever how the Irish perceived themselves, particularly in relation to the emigrant experience and the Diaspora.
The Dunbrody Famine Ship
The Dunbrody Famine Ship is a highly successful tourist attraction, telling the story of the forced emigration of the 19th Century.
The project has operated very successfully for the past 7 years and is attracting an average of 60,000 visitors per annum.
The Visitor Centre was refurbished during 2011 at a cost of 2.5 Million, and was re-opened by the talented dancer, Michael Flatley.
Ros Tapestry
A Classic Exhibition Centre featuring the Ros Tapestry, a series of tapestries depicting a dramatic presentation of the Norman experience in Ireland.
The Ros Tapestry is a must see National Treasure.
Kennedy Homestead
The Kennedy Homestead located in Duganstown, New Ross, was the birthplace of President John F. Kennedy's great grandfather, and celebrates the story of this famous Irish American Family. The visitor experience is set in the original farmyard and incorporates a unique guided tour, an audio visual display and a photographic exhibition.
John F. Kennedy Aboretum & Viewing Point
The Aboretum is dedicated to the memory of American President John F. Kennedy. It contains one of Europe's finest and largest collections of trees and shrubs from every continent.
Six different counties can be seen from the spectacular viewing point on Slieve Coillte. This was also the location of a Rebel Camp during the 1798 Rebellion prior to the Battle of New Ross .