Overview
Dunganstown is a historic townland in County Wexford that sits just south of New Ross along the River Barrow. While it is a quiet rural area, it holds a deeply significant place in modern history as the ancestral home of the Kennedy family. It was from a small farm in Dunganstown that Patrick Kennedy departed during the Great Famine in 1848, embarking on a journey to the United States that would eventually lead to the presidency of his great-grandson, John F. Kennedy. Today, the townland is a major destination for visitors from around the world who come to explore the Kennedy Homestead, a museum and visitor center dedicated to the family’s history and its lasting legacy.
The Kennedy Homestead
In 1823, Patrick Kennedy was born in a modest croft in Dunganstown. Following his emigration to Boston, the family farm remained in the hands of his relatives, and it continues to be farmed by his descendants today.
The site gained international prominence in June 1963, when President John F. Kennedy visited the ancestral farm during his historic state visit to Ireland. Kennedy spent an afternoon drinking tea in the farmyard with his cousin, Mary Ryan, and toasted “all those Kennedys who went and all those Kennedys who stayed.” The visit remains a defining moment in the history of Irish-American relations.
Today, the Kennedy Homestead operates as a visitor attraction on the Ireland’s Ancient East route. The state-of-the-art visitor center features a wealth of historical exhibits, family memorabilia, and audio-visual displays. Visitors can explore the history of the Irish emigration experience, trace the rise of the Kennedy family in American politics, and learn about the historic 1963 presidential visit.
Practical Information
The Kennedy Homestead includes a small café serving refreshments and light bites, a gift shop stocking souvenirs and books, and a free visitor car park.
- Opening Hours: The visitor center is open daily from 09:30 to 17:30, with the last admission at 17:00.
- Admission: Tickets can be purchased at the visitor center. The rates are €10.00 for adults, €9.00 for seniors, and €7.00 for students and children. Joint tickets with the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross are also available.
- Accessibility: The visitor center and its main exhibition areas are fully wheelchair accessible.
- Getting There: Dunganstown is situated approximately 8 km south of New Ross via the R733 road. The route is well-signposted from the town. Due to the rural location, travelling by car or taxi is the most practical option.
Nearby Attractions
- John F. Kennedy Arboretum (10-minute drive) – A vast botanical park dedicated to the memory of President Kennedy, featuring over 4,500 species of trees and shrubs, scenic walking trails, and a hilltop viewing point over the surrounding counties.
- Dunbrody Famine Ship (15-minute drive) – Located on the quayside in New Ross, this full-scale replica of an 1840s emigrant vessel offers immersive tours that detail the harsh realities of the Famine crossing.
- Dunbrody Abbey (10-minute drive) – The impressive ruins of a Cistercian abbey dating from the 12th century, featuring a visitor center and a hedge maze.
- New Ross (8-minute drive) – A historic medieval port town on the River Barrow, featuring the Dunbrody Famine Ship, the Ros Tapestry exhibition, and a vibrant riverside walk.