TraleeToday.ie’s coverage of the Rose of Tralee International Festival/Féile Thrá Lí is brought to you by Charlie’s Bar & Bistro at Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club…
.
The 2026 International Rose of Tralee Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh on stage last night.Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD ©CAOILFHINN Ní Choiligh has started her reign as 2026 Rose of Tralee with a series of engagements today.
The 25 year old won the title last night becoming the second Westmeath Rose to take the title. Caoilfhinn balances her retail work with studying to become a wig maker, a path inspired by losing her hair to alopecia at 15 years of age.
Caoilfhinn was presented with her sash by the 2025 Rose of Tralee, Katelyn Cummins, shortly before 11.30pm following the live announcement on RTÉ from the Kerry Sports Academy at MTU.
Continued below…
The announcement was made by Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas, following two nights of live television coverage of the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival, which was broadcast to audiences in Ireland and around the world.
Following the announcement, a shocked Caoilfhinn was whisked into Tralee town centre where to be presented to the town of Tralee and serenaded in front of the thousands of people that have lined out for Midnight Madness and a spectacular fireworks display.
Speaking immediately after being announced, Caoilfhinn said: “I would not have been able to any of this without these girls, I’m speechless!”
As the 2026 International Rose of Tralee, Caoilfhinn will embark on a year of travel and engagements representing the Festival in Ireland and internationally.
As the 2026 Rose of Tralee, Caoilfhinn’s prize package includes a world travel prize valued at €25,000; a Kia EV3 for her year; complimentary accommodation at the four-star Meadowlands Hotel whenever she returns to Tralee during her year; hair styling provided by Kerry College during her year and a week-long adventure break in Kerry for Caoilfhinn and a guest, hosted by Kerry County Council.
Caoilfhinn has been taking media interviews all morning before a number of engagements in town today.
