Kerry is fast emerging as a leading destination for global business tourism — combining world-class conference facilities, stunning landscapes, and a warm, authentic welcome. But beyond its natural beauty, Kerry is also home to a dynamic and influential enterprise sector. From skilled crafters and ambitious entrepreneurs to globally connected innovators, the county is a thriving hub of local talent with international impact.
From May 26th–28th, 2025, the prestigious Global Economic Summit (GES25) will return to the award-winning Europe Hotel & Resort in Killarney, reaffirming Kerry’s growing reputation as a premier location for high-level international gatherings.
The summit will unite world leaders, influential policymakers, and global experts to tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time — including the rise of artificial intelligence, global health equity, and shifting geopolitical landscapes. As a Destination Partner, Kerry will not only provide a spectacular setting, but also a powerful platform to showcase its enterprising spirit and its role in shaping global conversations and solutions.
Kerry offers “a platform for thought-provoking debates and collaborative solutions to the global challenges we face” - Mayor of Kerry Cllr. Breandán Fitzgerald
Kerry to welcome world leaders for Global Economic Summit
Mayor of Kerry, Councillor Breandán Fitzgerald was joined this week by MD of Global Economic Summit Megan Cassidy to officially launch the event at Killarney House & Gardens in Kerry. In addition to An Taoiseach, Micháel Martin, this bilateral international gathering will welcome US Congressman Richard Neal, Massachusetts's 1st Congressional District who has ancestral ties to Ventry, EU Commissioner Michael McGrath, Dr. Maria Guevara, International Medical Secretary for Médecins Sans Frontières and Alex MacDonald, NASA's First Chief Economist. Full list of speakers here.
Globalisation, health equity and the Gen AI revolution are just some of the issues that are currently dominating headlines, policy-making and boardroom conversations – and will be high on the agenda at GES25.
The Global Economic Summit strengthens Kerry’s reputation as a destination of choice for business conferences and business tourism. As a Destination Partner, Kerry County Council will host the Kerry Business suite offering invited delegates the chance to network and meet global industry leaders face to face.
The event is an opportunity to promote Kerry to international visitors, drawing attention to its stunning landscapes, heritage, and facilities as a prime conference and tourism destination and gives a global platform to locally based enterprises.
Kerry explorer Tom Crean’s famous voyage with Shackleton will also be a source of inspiration for a high-impact leadership session which reframes Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition for today’s leaders navigating volatility, complexity and transformation. Hosted by Dr. Kerrie O’Sullivan, IMI Associate Faculty, and featuring a powerful plenary from maritime archaeologist and intrepid explorer Mensun Bound, this workshop will challenge participants to explore the values, vision and adaptability required to lead with purpose in the modern world.
With Ireland’s unique position as a bridge between the US, Europe and the rest of the world, and as a key global hub for innovation and fresh thinking, GES25 is a date to be marked in the calendar for all Irish and global business leaders.
Mayor of Kerry Cllr. Breandán Fitzgerald said: “Following the success of the inaugural summit, we are delighted to once again be the destination partner with the Global Economic Summit for 2025 and welcome it back to Killarney. This year’s summit is set to include global decision-makers, business leaders, and experts from diverse fields, offering a unique platform for thought-provoking debates and collaborative solutions to the pressing challenges we face. Kerry’s growing strength as a destination for business tourism further underscores our role in hosting such a significant event, highlighting our region’s potential as a prime destination for international conferences & events.”
MD of Global Economic Summit Megan Cassidy said: “The success of last year’s Global Economic Summit proves that Ireland can and should convene global leaders at this scale. The Summit bottles Ireland’s incredible speed of change – from an agri-economy to a European Tech Leader – and uses that as a catalyst for progress and partnership. There is no better place than the beautiful surrounds of Killarney for fresh thinking and solutions. The partnerships we saw born at last year’s retreat make us incredibly excited for GES25 when the world’s eyes are on Kerry again.”
