32 Roses officially launched as Rose of Tralee gears up for its 66th year

The Rose of Tralee International Festival is officially underway. Hosts Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas came together on Tuesday, August 11, to welcome this year's 32 Roses at St Helen's Hotel in Stillorgan, Dublin, marking the launch of the 66th Rose of Tralee International Festival.

The Rose of Tralee festival remains a touchstone for Irish communities everywhere, celebrating Irish identity, heritage, and the connections that link the diaspora across generations and continents. Festivities begin in Tralee this Friday, August 14, building toward the televised selection of the 2026 International Rose of Tralee. At its core, organizers say, the event is about the people, stories, and shared connections that represent the best of being Irish.

The Rose Selection program will air live on Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18 from 8pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, with a break for the Nine O'Clock News before resuming at 9:35pm.

Speaking ahead of the festival, Dáithí Ó Sé said, "I'm so excited to be heading back to Tralee again this year. I've been reading all about the Roses, and I am delighted to meet them here today and hear their stories. One of the great things about the Rose of Tralee International Festival for me is meeting the Roses on the first day and then seeing them on television a week later, after we have had the chance to get to know them and share in their experiences. It makes those moments on stage even more special."

Kathryn Thomas echoed that enthusiasm, saying, "For so many people, this time of year signals the end of the summer holidays, but for myself, Dáithí and all the Roses, it means something very different, the beginning of so much fun, craic and a wonderful celebration of incredible Irish women from all over the world. I have had the chance to meet all of this year's Roses already, and they are such an impressive, brilliant group of women. I can't wait to get back down to Tralee, soak up that incredible atmosphere, and, of course, join Dáithí for two fantastic nights of live television. There really is nothing quite like Rose of Tralee week!"

Audiences in Ireland and around the world can watch the Rose of Tralee for free, live and on demand, via RTÉ Player. Features, archive footage, and behind-the-scenes content will also roll out across RTÉ.ie and RTÉ social media platforms in the coming days.

Carl Mullan returns as Master of Ceremonies, his "tux ready to go" for another night of energy and humor on stage. James Patrice is back as the festival's official Rose Reporter, chasing down backstage antics throughout the week.