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.
​
​
