Kennedy Homestead
The farm at Dunganstown where John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather was born, now a visitor centre on the Kennedy family and Irish emigration.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Kennedy Homestead at Dunganstown, near New Ross, is the farm where Patrick Kennedy was born. He left Ireland in 1848 as a Famine emigrant and sailed to Boston, and his great-grandson John F. Kennedy returned to the homestead as President of the United States in June 1963. Members of the Kennedy family have continued to farm the land ever since.
The visitor centre was opened in June 2013 by Caroline Kennedy and the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny. Its curators used the Kennedy Library archive in Boston to create an interpretative exhibition on the circumstances of Patrick Kennedy’s departure and on the fortunes of the most famous Irish-American family through the 20th century.
The exhibition follows the story from the Famine emigrant to his descendants: a US President, an ambassador, the founder of the Special Olympics, an Attorney General and a Senator. Visitors are taken on a guided tour that combines audio-visual presentations, a photographic exhibition and a historical display, together with a collection of Kennedy memorabilia.
The museum is dedicated to the Kennedys who went away and the Kennedys who stayed behind. It is supported by a government community services programme.
Highlights
- Exhibition on the Kennedy family from the 1848 emigration to today
- Guided tour with audio-visuals and photographs
- Collection of Kennedy memorabilia
- Working family farm in Dunganstown
- Link to the 1963 homecoming of President Kennedy
Permanent exhibition
- Kennedy Homestead exhibition – An interpretative exhibition drawing on the Kennedy Library archive traces the family from Patrick Kennedy’s emigration in 1848 to his descendants in public life, with memorabilia and audio-visual displays.
- Founded
- 2013
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €11 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €8Students and children |
| Children & teens | €8free up to age 5 · Student and child price; children under 6 are free. |
| Seniors | €10 |
| Students & apprentices | €8With the student and child rate. |
| Families | €262 adults and 1 child under 12. |
| Family ticket, 2 adults and 2 children under 12 | €31 |
| Family ticket, 2 adults and 3 children under 12 | €36 |
| Joint ticket, adult | €22The website lists joint ticket rates without naming the second attraction; seniors pay €20 and families €51, €61 or €72 depending on the number of children. |
Prices include the guided tour and are quoted at the current VAT rate.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum states that it has wheelchair access.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €26 · 2 adults and 1 child under 12. |
Children under 6 enter free, and family tickets are offered for up to three children under 12.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
There is extensive car and coach parking at the homestead.
The homestead is in the townland of Dunganstown, just south of New Ross.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
There is a souvenir shop and a picnic area.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Admission includes a guided tour that uses audio-visuals, a photographic exhibition and a historical display. |
