The Kennedy family legacy is an integral part of life in County Wexford. The achievements of this distinguished family are celebrated on ‘The Emigrant Trail’ featuring three key heritage sites on a 15 mile (24km) trail in the vicinity of New Ross Town in County Wexford.
To follow in the footsteps of President Kennedy, start your journey at the Quayside in New Ross. The evocative Emigrant Flame and the life size welcoming sculpture of President John F. Kennedy. It is from here on this very quayside that President Kennedy’s great-grandfather Patrick left for America in 1848. While on the New Ross Quayside stop and read the President's speech from the replica podium on the exact spot at where he delivered this most moving and heartfelt address to the people of New Ross. Feel the warmth of the glow of the Emigrant Flame burning in remembrance of all those who left our shores throughout the generations. The flame, lit from the President's grave in Arlington is an eternal reminder of all those who left New Ross and Ireland and scattered to every corner of the world.
From the quayside step aboard visit The Dunbrody Famine Ship, it is from here on this very quayside that President John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather Patrick left for America in 1848.
Leaving Quayside follow the well signposted trail, taking the short 4 mile (6km) journey to ‘The Kennedy Homestead’ in nearby Dunganstown, the birthplace of JFK's great-grandfather, Patrick Kennedy and home to five generations of the Kennedy family. The splendid visitor centre at the original Kennedy Family Homestead offers visitors an audio-visual trip through history, including clips from Hollywood movies to help tell the story of the famous US president and his family.
From the Homestead follow the trail to the nearby John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. This Memorial Park of 623 acres is dedicated to the memory of President Kennedy. Opened in 1968 by Irish President Eamon de Valera to honour President Kennedy and his achievements.