Ireland to host secret gathering of political, tech, finance and defence elites - leaked report
Agenda reported to include sessions about weapons and navigating a potential World War III
US billionaire venture capitalist Peter Thiel leaves after a meeting with Argentina’s President Javier Milei at the Casa Rosada Presidential Palace in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in this file photo from April 23, 2026. Photo: Reuters/Matias Baglietto
Author Tom Gavin
Date: 18 Jun 2026 12:41 PM
A private international conference linked to billionaire investor Peter Thiel, to be attended by more than 200 senior figures from the world of politics, technology and defence, is reportedly due to take place in County Wicklow this August.
According to reporting by US technology magazine WIRED, the invitation-only ‘Dialog’ gathering is scheduled to take place from August 12 to 16 “at a venue near Dublin”. Other media reports and posts on X have since identified Powerscourt Hotel in Enniskerry as the location for the event.
Dialog was co-founded by Trump supporter Mr Thiel in 2006 and is described as a private network that brings together figures from business, technology, academia and public life for off-the-record discussions.
The organisation has maintained a very low public profile over the years and has often been compared to other private international gatherings where political, business and cultural leaders meet to exchange ideas.
The conference attracted international attention after Swiss hacktivist ‘maia arson crimew’ discovered an online directory linked to Dialog.
WIRED subsequently reported that it had independently verified the material, which it said contained registration records and profile information relating to 222 attendees expected at the organisation’s 2026 gathering.
According to the publication, the records provided a rare glimpse into an organisation that has largely operated outside public view since its foundation in 2006, naming senior figures from politics, technology, defence and finance who were listed as participants.
WIRED reported that the leaked material included attendee information, registration details and subjects up for discussion in the programme. According to the report, the 2026 event is expected to feature discussions on topics including artificial intelligence, defence technology, geopolitics, energy policy and the future impact of emerging technologies.
Session titles contained in the leaked material reportedly include ‘Bring Back Nuclear’, ‘Navigating WWIII’, ‘Battlefield Technologies’ and ‘Money (Does?) Buy Happiness’.
The publication reported that the attendee list included a range of senior figures from politics, technology, finance and defence, including NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus Grynkewich, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Senator Ted Cruz.
The leak also reportedly identified prominent technology executives and investors, including figures associated with Palantir, the data analytics company co-founded by Mr Thiel.
The reports have sparked criticism from campaign group North Wicklow Against Genocide, which posted “Shame on Powerscourt” on social media.
In a post shared on its Instagram account, the group questioned the reported involvement of figures linked to Palantir.
The company has faced ongoing criticism from pro-Palestinian campaign groups over its work with Israeli government and military agencies following the outbreak of the war in Gaza. Palantir has defended its activities and rejected criticism of its role.
When contacted about reports of the gathering, Powerscourt Hotel declined to comment.
In a statement, the hotel said: “As a matter of policy, we respect our clients’ confidentiality and do not comment on hotel guests or private events. Accordingly, we will not be providing further comment.”