Co-ordinator of the Kennedy Summer School, Sharon Doyle, and Kennedy SS Director, Dr Adrian Dillon. The organisers of the 2025 Kennedy Summer School in New Ross are pleased to unveil details of the first event for the 2025 festival, with full programme details set for release in early July. Photo Mary Browne
The organisers of the 2025 Kennedy Summer School in New Ross are pleased to unveil details of the first event for this summer’s festival, with full programme details set for release in early July.
Festival Co-ordinator Sharon Doyle commented, “We are delighted to announce that the 13th annual Kennedy Summer School will take place in New Ross from August 28th to 30th, 2025. We have a vibrant and engaging programme in the works and are finalising details for several key events. One particular highlight is our opening night, where we will host one of the first public screenings of the film adaptation of the documentary series, ‘From That Small Island’. We are especially proud of this event, as the film was created by one of our own directors at the Kennedy Summer School, the acclaimed writer and filmmaker Bríona NicDhiarmada.”
This feature-length documentary, From That Small Island, is narrated by award-winning actor Colin Farrell and features an original score by renowned composer Colm Mac Con Iomaire. The film will be screened at St. Michael’s Theatre on Thursday, August 28th at 6:45 p.m.
Shot across 17 countries, from Barbados to Belgium, Singapore to Switzerland, and across the entire island of Ireland, with many highlights featured from Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny, the film presents a compelling narrative of Irish history and influence. Contributors include former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, among many other voices from around the globe.
Festival Director Dr. Adrian Dillon, based in New Ross, added, “Our 2025 programme is shaping up to be another fantastic three days of vibrant discussion and timely debate. The Kennedy Summer School has never shied away from difficult or complex topics. This year, we’re addressing a wide range of pressing issues—both Irish and global—with leading experts from home and abroad set to share their insights and knowledge.”
Set in President John F. Kennedy’s ancestral hometown of New Ross, County Wexford, the Kennedy Summer School is a bold and dynamic platform for political and public discourse. Celebrated for its rich blend of historical reflection and contemporary dialogue, the festival attracts prominent figures from politics, journalism, academia, and the arts. With a focus on civic engagement and intellectual exchange, the Summer School continues to honour the legacy of JFK by fostering thoughtful leadership and informed debate.
Further programme details will be announced in the coming weeks, with the official launch of the 2025 Kennedy Summer School scheduled for early July.
The Kennedy Summer School and Festival is presented in association with the Office of Public Works, New Ross District Council, Wexford County Council, Purdue University, and Fáilte Ireland.
