The search for the 2026 Rose of Tralee (and Rose Escort) kicked off in Dublin this week.
Applications for the 2026 Rose of Tralee are now open as Rose selections are starting to take place across more than 30 Rose centres in Ireland and around the world.
The launch brought together the current Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins, as well as Dublin Rose Edel Cronin and Wexford Rose Clíona O’Leary. They were joined by Rose Escorts Ted Lyons, Jordan Lynam, Patrick Jordan, Stephen Linnane, and Conor McCabe.
Organizers said: "Whether you are applying for the first time or taking the leap after a nudge from friends, family, or your local community, this is your moment to step forward and begin your own Rose journey!"
The 2026 International Rose of Tralee Festival is set to arrive in Tralee, Co Kerry this August 14 - 18.
View this post on Instagram
Apply to be a Rose
Irish females - or those who identify as female - are encouraged to enter now to represent their city, county, state, or country at the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival.
Rose of Tralee eligibility criteria 2026:
- Be 18 years of age by January 1, 2026, and will not have reached their 30th birthday on or prior to September 1, 2026.
- Be female or identify as female.
- Be born in Ireland, be an Irish citizen, or be of Irish origin by virtue of one of your ancestors having been born in Ireland.
- Never have previously represented any Centre as a Rose in the Regional Festival or International Rose of Tralee Selection.
- Applicants residing outside the island of Ireland should be living in the region you wish to represent for a minimum of one year. It is recommended that if selected as the Rose, you will remain resident in this region for the following 12 months.
- Be available for Rose Selection events, and if selected, be available for International Festival events.
There is an application fee of €25. Organizers added that an entrant sponsorship fee of €300 is required for entrants based in Ireland; local Rose Centres will be able to provide more information.
Contact information for the Rose Centres in Ireland and abroad - including in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia - is available here on the Rose of Tralee website.
Apply to be a Rose Escort
Applications are now open to become a 2026 Rose Escort. During the Rose of Tralee Festival, the Escorts are paired off with the Roses to ensure they have "an unforgettable and stress-free experience."
Prior to the festival in August, the successful Rose Escort candidates will take part in a team-building boot camp in Co Kerry in June.
Rose Escort eligibility criteria 2026:
- Be born in Ireland, be an Irish citizen, or be of Irish origin by virtue of one of your ancestors having been born in Ireland.
- Be male or identify as male
- Be unmarried or never been married
- Be 21 years of age by January 1, 2026 and will not have reached their 32nd birthday on or prior to September 1, 2026.
The application has a fee of €25. Should you be accepted as a Rose Escort, you will be required to make a €2,000 subscription plus VAT to cover the bootcamp and Festival experiences.
Comments