This week, the Kerry Ambassador Programme brought together its founding ambassadors, members of the Kerry diaspora, industry leaders and county representatives for a day of networking and engagement, celebrating both the successes of the programme to date and Kerry’s new unified place brand: Visit, Work, Live.

Held as a key event within the Kerry County Council’s Kerry Homecoming Festival programme, part of the Global Irish Festival Series; a joint initiative of Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs, the event commenced with a networking lunch at Lakeview House and Estate, the ancestral home of Sir Maurice O’Connell. 

The O’Connell family opened the doors to their beautiful home, welcoming the group and sharing the history of the house, estate, and family. The group then toured the onsite whiskey business, makers of the award-winning Liberator & Lakeview Single Estate Whiskeys.

The afternoon business session, held at the RDI Hub, featured an update on the Kerry Ambassador Programme, engaging panel discussions and a keynote speech by world record-breaking Irish Open Water Swimmer, Nuala Moore, followed. Moore, a Dingle native, shared her experiences as an adventurer and author, highlighting the significance of place and character in driving progress and innovation.

With its theme ‘Shaped by the landscape; Exploring The Impact Of The Kerry Character in Business from the Local to the Global’, the day celebrated the significance of place and character running through Kerry’s success stories and the innovative people who continue to drive progress, legacy and impact on a local and global stage.

“We were thrilled to bring our ambassadors, programme partners, and industry guests together for this very special day of celebration and networking” said Becky Hargrove, Manager of Kerry Convention Bureau. “This event was also an opportunity to showcase two new Kerry Convention Bureau member venues, Lakeview House and Estate, and the RDI Hub, and share updates on the Ambassador programme, the new unified place brand for Kerry and Kerry’s recent #19 ranking in the Global Destination Sustainability Index.”

The Kerry Ambassador Programme, launched in October 2022, aims to drive economic growth through business events and raise Kerry’s profile as a premier business hub. The programme is led by Kerry Convention Bureau, in partnership with Kerry County Council, Fáilte Ireland, Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, Tech Industry Alliance, and Prosper Kerry.

Quote: Failte Ireland

“We know that business events have the potential to create significant, positive economic, social and environmental impacts and our goal at Fáilte Ireland is help leverage these events to make Ireland a better place to live, work and visit. Celebrating success stories and the innovative people who drive progress, legacy and impact on a local and global stage is so important, and Fáilte Ireland were delighted to partner on this event which gave a platform to share some of the exciting work which we are supporting in this area.” said Paul Mockler, Head of Commercial Development, Fáilte Ireland.

“Kerry County Council was delighted to support and attend the Kerry Ambassador Programme ‘Shaped by the Landscape’ event, which highlights the profound influence of Kerry’s unique character on both local and global businesses. This gathering of Kerry Ambassadors, our vibrant diaspora, and industry leaders exemplifies the spirit of collaboration that defines our community and highlights the stories of innovation and resilience that continue to shape Kerry’s economy and culture.” said Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald.

Quote: Kerry Tourism Industry Federation

“The event showcased to our Ambassadors the depth of the collaboration that exists in Kerry across all industry sectors as well as the cooperation between the public and private sectors. It highlighted the depth of innovative talent and entrepreneurship that abounds while recognising our obligation to protect our landscape and natural heritage all under the unified “Kerry Brand”, said Pat O’Leary Chair of the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation.

Quote: Tech Industry Alliance

“The Kerry Ambassador Programme and events like this are crucial in bridging our global diaspora with the vibrant ecosystem here in Kerry. By gathering entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and innovators from multinationals, start-ups, and SMEs across diverse sectors, we’re able to showcase the thriving and resilient enterprise landscape Kerry offers. These gatherings not only celebrate our successes but build the collaborative momentum that positions Kerry as a hub of innovation and growth on both local and global stages.” said Ogie Sheehy, CEO of ViClarity and Board Member Tech Industry Alliance.