Annual Ardmore Forum ™
Change Makers Retreat
What Makes This Retreat Different
A Strategic Reset in a Turbulent World
With increasing geopolitical volatility, social fragmentation, rapid technological disruption, and declining trust, philanthropic leaders rarely have the luxury of stepping outside the noise to reflect deeply. This retreat will be co-designed with participants in advance to provide that space — intellectually, creatively, and personally — enabling participants to return with greater clarity, direction, and insight.
Convening Global Expertise to Challenge Our Thinking
In partnership with invited international experts, Gerry will convene sessions that draw on his experience advising institutions including the WHO, UN agencies, national governments, leading research organisations, and major foundations. Participants will be encouraged to think differently about evidence, power, narrative, behavioural drivers, long-term strategy, and the evolving role of leadership.
Purpose Over Profit
Every aspect of the retreat is grounded in mission — not commercial goals. Participants come together united by a shared commitment to social impact, human progress, and systemic improvement, forming a network built on alignment rather than competition.
What to Expect
Masterclasses and conversations on strategic communications, systems change, international development, behavioural science, and evidence-informed decision-making
A collaborative environment focused on learning, humility, and exploration, not pitch decks or transactional networking
Small, facilitated working groups where leaders explore their own real-world challenges in a private and confidential, supportive setting
Time and space for reflection, supported by the serenity of one of Ireland’s most exceptional coastal hotels
The Setting
The five-star Cliff House Hotel, dramatically overlooking Ardmore Bay, offers the ideal environment for deep thinking: expansive sea views, quiet spaces, restorative coastal walks, and exceptional cuisine. The location supports the spirit of the retreat — a chance to breathe, reset, and think more boldly about the future.
Why Participate
Potential participants have praised key features the Ardmore Forum methodology because it offers:
The opportunity to co-design and mould the question/issue being addressed
A rare confidential space among peers
Intellectual seriousness without public positioning
Time to think beyond institutional silos and funding cycles
A credible process that balances reflection with outcome
A Rare Opportunity
With strictly limited places to preserve depth, focus, and quality of exchange, this retreat offers something few leaders experience: time, space, and challenge — in the company of peers who share a commitment to building a better world.