The New Faces of Heritage Ireland!

I am absolutely thrilled to share these images with you!

First off, I'd like to thank the wonderful Mary O'Neill Moloney, Head Guide at the John F. Kennedy Arboretum. I first met Mary about 2 years ago. I had just bought my first camera and had taken some pictures of the flowers and trees in the Arboretum. Mary got in touch with me and asked if it was ok to share them on the JFK Arboretum Facebook Page. I was delighted!!

I have been in the Arboretum a few times since I was a child, but a lot more in recent years. 4 years ago, my partner Ray got called to interview for the position of Craft Gardener in JFK Arboretum. He almost didn't go. I was heavily pregnant, overdue and already in the early stages of labour the day he was interviewed. But the interview went well, as did the labour and he got the job!!

Then, last year Mary got in touch again about a "little" project she was doing with Heritage Ireland and needed some promotional shots taken in the Arboretum. I called in for a meeting and over a cup of tea we had a chat. I loved her ideas and the following week I was back in Ballysop with the camera in hand and my two children in tow. They were thrilled to be models; we were treated so well and even got chauffer driven on a golf buggy by the wonderful Ray!

So, fast forward to last week! I got word that the Heritage Ireland website had been updated to promote John F. Kennedy Arboretum. It's hard to describe the excitement I had clicking on the link and seeing my pictures. Not only were 2 of my images used, but both included the children!!

You can find these images here https://heritageireland.ie/visit/places-to-visit/the-john-f-kennedy-arboretum/ .

The OPW are responsible for Irelands most important heritage sites including John F. Kennedy Arboretum, Jerpoint Abbey, Kells Priory and Kilkenny Castle. They look after 780 heritage sites in total and are committed to caring for, protecting and enhancing our nations heritage.

Dedicated to John Fitzgerald Kennedy, President of the United States from 1960 to 1963, JFK Arboretum is a plant collection of international standing. It covers 252 hectares (623 acres) on the southern slopes and summit of Slieve Coillte. It contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world, planted in botanical sequence.

You don’t need to have knowledge of trees and plants as there are free guided tours available. It is a great place to take the kids. There is loads of outdoor space to run free and they have a fantastic inclusive playground. I could go on. But I think its best you discover it for yourself!

I am bursting with pride! What a great family achievement!