![\"rose-of-tralee-launch\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1786502892_298_.jpeg\")
\n Andres Poveda<\/p>\n
IT IS THAT time of year again as 32 contestants from Ireland and across the globe compete for the Rose of Tralee crown.<\/p>\n
The 67th Rose of Tralee festival will begin this week and today the roses gathered at a hotel in south Dublin for their first photocall with hosts D\u00e1ith\u00ed \u00d3 S\u00e9 and Kathryn Thomas.<\/p>\n
This Dublin launch happens each year ahead of the main televised event on 17 and 18 August to crown the winner.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As part of the festival, roses also embark on a tour, taking part in parades and cultural events across the county.<\/p>\n
But ahead of this year\u2019s competition, here\u2019s everything you need to know about one of Ireland\u2019s oldest festivals.<\/p>\n
\n Andres Poveda<\/p>\n
Andres Poveda\n<\/p>\n
Who can apply, and how does it work?<\/p>\n
Women between the ages of 18 and 30 are eligible to apply for the festival.<\/p>\n
The key requirement is that applicants be born in Ireland, hold Irish citizenship or be of Irish ancestry through an ancestor born in Ireland.<\/p>\n
Counties and cities worldwide have rose centres which organise local selections to choose a rose to participate in the main festival.<\/p>\n
Internationally, key rose centre locations include Chicago, London, Melbourne, Texas, Toronto and the UAE.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s Chicago Rose, Fiona Gaffney told The Journal that the centre has \u201cconnected people for decades\u201d within the Irish American community and that it remains a prominent event.<\/p>\n
Similarly, Texas Rose Ally Padgett had been involved with her rose centre for many years.<\/p>\n
It is common for past roses to introduce potential candidates to the festival. Padgett credited 2010 Texas rose Adrienne Hussey, who has since passed away, for her getting involved.<\/p>\n
If chosen as the Rose of Tralee, the winner must have lived in their representative region for at least one year and plan to stay there for the following 12 months.<\/p>\n
The Journal<\/a> \/ YouTubeh<\/p>\n Why do the roses want to get involved in the festival?<\/p>\n Beyond the fashion, free travel, and the good craic among the roses (Louth rose Chloe Moran admitted she made the decision to apply after \u201ca few vinos\u201d and wants to make the most of the experience) there are common reasons for applying.<\/p>\n Some have family members who were previous roses so it remained a tradition (the grandmother of the Waterford rose Cara Comerford took to the stage in 1967).<\/p>\n Others have a particular cause which spurred them on, with many of this year\u2019s roses wanting to use it as a platform.<\/p>\n Westmeath rose Caoilfhinn N\u00ed Choiligh, who has alopecia, said \u201cI think it\u2019d be really meaningful to be able to put myself out there and talk about the condition and talk about other autoimmune conditions that can sometimes be hidden\u201d.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s Dublin rose Suad Mooge agreed that the festival is a way of promoting inclusivity and celebrating each woman.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThere was a bit of a rocky start and a bit of negative feedback when I first got selected,\u201d she explained.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cBut I just want to be the rose that I would have needed when I was younger, and there are girls coming up to me, regardless of where they\u2019re from, I want to instil that confidence\u201d.<\/p>\n Simply making connections and \u201cknowing someone in Galway or Cork or even New York and New Zealand\u201d, was the biggest motivator for Derry rose Car\u00e1 Hamilton.<\/p>\n Andres Poveda\n<\/p>\n What about the judging?<\/p>\n In 2025, over half a million people tuned in to watch Laois Rose, electrician Katelyn Cummins<\/a>, secure the title.<\/p>\n![\"rose-of-tralee-launch\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1786502892_485_.jpeg\")
\n Dublin, Texas and Westmeath roses ahead of this years competition. Andres Poveda<\/p>\n