Ireland Gateway To Europe
A trip in review
May 5-13th 2025
Spanning three cities, the 2025 Ireland Gateway to Europe mission once again brought together Irish and North American business leaders for a dynamic week of trade, tech, and transatlantic partnership. Over 70 Irish delegates engaged with key industry voices across Toronto, Boston, and Washington, D.C., from May 4th–12th.
Toronto
Monday, May 5:
The delegation began with a business briefing from IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, followed by a flagship lunch with Irish Ambassador to Canada, H.E. John Concannon. Keynotes came from Neil Naughton (President, Glen Dimplex) and Neil McLaughlin (Group Head, RBC Wealth Management).
That evening, a reception hosted by McMillan LLP welcomed the group, followed by informal networking at PJ O’Brien’s Irish Pub.
Tuesday, May 6:
The day began with the Ireland–Canada Business Summit, co-hosted by the Ireland Canada Business Association and Ireland Gateway to Europe. Delegates later visited the Ontario Legislature for a meeting and photo op with Minister Caroline Mulroney, before exploring Toronto’s MaRS innovation district. The evening closed with dinner alongside Vice Consul General Cahal Sweeney and MP James Maloney.
Boston
Wednesday, May 7:
After a visit to Ireland Park in Toronto, the delegation flew to Boston and headed straight to Fenway Park for an evening of baseball.
Thursday, May 8:
The day featured two major events. First, the Boston College CEO Club Lunch, with speakers including Robert B. Ford (CEO, Abbott) and Kevin B. Churchwell (CEO, Boston Children’s Hospital).
In the evening, the 8th bi-annual BCIBC Dinner took place at the Seaport Hotel’s Lighthouse Ballroom, with speakers from Smartbear, Boston Scientific, Nuritas, and Alchelyst. The evening closed with a networking reception on site.
Friday, May 9:
The final day in Boston included a campus and athletics tour of Boston College, with lunch hosted on campus and further insights into collegiate and sports-business collaboration.
Washington, D.C.
Sunday, May 11:
The Washington leg opened with welcome drinks hosted by Clarke Hill in advance of the SelectUSA Summit.
Monday, May 12:
The final day included a high-level lunch at the World Trade Center, followed by an evening reception at the Embassy of Ireland—closing the 2025 mission with diplomatic engagement and networking.
