New Ross to Host Distinguished Writers and Ireland’s US Ambassador at Kennedy Summer School

New Ross will welcome a major gathering of political, literary and cultural figures later this month when the 2026 Kennedy Summer School gets underway.

The three-day event opens on Thursday, August 27th, with Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Nason, officially opening the festival at St Michael’s Theatre from 6.30pm.

Ambassador Byrne Nason will then take part in a conversation with Professor Mary C. Murphy of Boston College, focusing on Ireland’s international relationships and the changing political landscape.

Music will also feature on the opening night, with Finghin Collins, founding artistic director of the New Ross Piano Festival, performing a short recital to mark the festival’s 20th anniversary.

Later that evening, attention turns to Irish literature with a panel discussion bringing together three leading writers.

Neil Tully, whose debut novel The Visit is set in New Ross in the days leading up to President John F. Kennedy’s 1963 visit, will be joined by Martina Evans and Belinda McKeon.

The discussion will be chaired by Professor Bríona Nic Dhiarmada, with the panel expected to explore contemporary Irish writing and the connection between literature, place and history.

The opening programme will also have a sporting focus, with a discussion on the current state of hurling featuring GAA National Head of Hurling William Maher, along with former inter-county players Michael Duignan, Ursula Jacob and Tom Dempsey.

The Kennedy Summer School runs in New Ross from August 27th to 29th.

Organisers are advising people to book early for the opening night, with strong demand expected for the Ambassador’s appearance and the writers’ panel.

Tickets and the full programme are available through the Kennedy Summer School website.