By Barry Coughlan
Top of the range business leaders, entrepreneurs and economic experts from Ireland and the United States will attend this year’s Kennedy Summer School in New Ross on Wednesday, August 26.
They will be present for a special Trade and Economic Forum, opening the 2026 event to offer a timely examination of the opportunities and challenges shaping the global economy.
Hosted in partnership with Wexford County Council, County Wexford Chamber and Business Plus Magazine, the forum will bring together influential voices from business, technology, investment and international trade for an evening of insight and discussion inspired by the enduring economic relationship between Ireland and America.
Taking place at the Brandon House Hotel in New Ross, the event reflects the Kennedy Summer School’s commitment to fostering dialogue not only on politics and culture, but also on the issues that will define the future prosperity of Ireland and its place in a rapidly changing world.
At a time of geopolitical uncertainty, shifting trade patterns and accelerating technological change, the forum will explore how Irish businesses can continue to compete and thrive while strengthening links with international markets and embracing new opportunities for innovation and growth.
The Business & Economics Panel will bring together an exceptional line-up of leading voices from politics, international economics, financial regulation and enterprise to explore the forces shaping Europe’s economic future.
Former Minister and Labour Party Leader Brendan Howlin will be joined by internationally respected economist Brad Setser of the Council on Foreign Relations in the USA, Sinéad Fitzmaurice of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Andrea Dell, Director of Futures West at Business West, and Anne Lanigan of Enterprise Ireland.
Together, the panel will examine the major policy challenges facing Ireland and Europe during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, exploring issues including global competitiveness, investment, trade, economic resilience and whether the long-anticipated Savings and Investment Union can finally become a reality. Their collective expertise promises a timely and insightful discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing business in an increasingly complex global economy.
The discussion will be chaired by Mark Redmond, founder of Redmond & Co. one of Ireland’s most respected business leaders and advocates for enterprise. Through his work with the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland and his extensive experience across the business community, Redmond has long championed the importance of strong transatlantic relationships and inward investment. His insights and leadership will help guide what promises to be a fascinating conversation on the economic forces shaping Ireland’s future.
The evening will bring together a distinguished panel of experts and business leaders to examine how Ireland can continue to build on its strong transatlantic connections while responding to changing economic realities. Discussions will focus on investment, entrepreneurship, innovation, competitiveness and the opportunities emerging from deeper collaboration between Ireland, Europe and the United States.
Charles Larkin, one of the Kennedy Summer School Directors, said the Trade and Economic Forum highlighted the important role business and enterprise play in strengthening communities and international relationships.
“President Kennedy understood the importance of economic progress and international cooperation. The Trade and Economic Forum reflects that spirit by bringing together leaders from business and industry to explore the challenges and opportunities facing Ireland and the wider world. We are delighted to work with Wexford County Council, County Wexford Chamber and Business Plus magazine to present an event that places enterprise, innovation and ambition at the heart of the conversation.”
The forum will also reflect the growing importance of the South-East region as a center for entrepreneurship and investment, while showcasing New Ross as a place where international ideas and local ambition come together.
The Kennedy Summer School will run on from there until August 29 inclusive. This event has become one of Ireland’s leading festivals of ideas and public discourse, bringing together prominent figures from politics, journalism, diplomacy, academia and the arts.
The School will be officially opened by Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, and have highlights in the annual Speakers’ Lunch with acclaimed foreign correspondent Lara Marlowe, the Noel Whelan Interview featuring Pat Kenny in conversation with Sinéad McSweeney, a special exploration of Bob Dylan and the Kennedy era, and major discussions on the future of the transatlantic alliance, online safety, American politics and the centenary of Fianna Fáil.
Alongside these headline events, the Summer School also celebrates community and culture through its literary program, Primary Schools STEM event and the popular Kennedy Afternoon Tea Party at the John F. Kennedy Arboretum, inspired by President Kennedy’s famous visit to New Ross in 1963.
More than sixty years after President Kennedy’s historic homecoming, the Kennedy Summer School continues to honor his legacy by bringing together leaders and thinkers from Ireland and beyond to explore the ideas, challenges and opportunities that will shape the future.
Further details and ticket information are available at www.kennedysummerschool.ie.