PHOTOS: Roses Attend Official Opening Of Festival At Island Of Geese

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…

Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins with Escort Mark Irwin at the official opening on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean

The 66th Rose of Tralee International Festival officially got underway in Tralee this afternoon, as 32 International Roses from Ireland and Irish communities around the world were welcomed to The Kingdom.

The 2026 International Roses were officially welcomed at the Island of Geese at a Kerry County Council Welcome Ceremony, marking the beginning of five days of celebration, entertainment and community events across Tralee.

Welcoming the 32 International Roses to Tralee, Anthony O’Gara, CEO of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, said: “From all corners of Ireland and from Irish communities across the world, 32 remarkable women have come together in Tralee; each bringing with them their own story, their own journey, and their own connection to Ireland. For the next few days, Tralee becomes a meeting place for our global Irish community. It is a time to celebrate friendship, culture, community and, above all, the wonderful people who make this Festival what it is.

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“A sincere thank you to Kerry County Council, Féile Trá Lí, and the local civic, business and voluntary community for your valued support in delivering another successful Festival. And for the festivity and vibrancy Tralee will demonstrate over these next few days.

Anthony O’Gara speaking at the opening. Photo by Dermot Crean

“To our 32 International Roses — enjoy every moment. Tralee is your home for the next few days, and we hope you leave with memories, friendships and experiences that will last a lifetime.”

Over the next five days, the International Roses and Rose Escorts will enjoy the hospitality of Tralee, while taking part in a packed programme of Festival events and activities before the 2026 Rose of Tralee is selected on Tuesday night.

There was music and song from Gaelic Roots and dancing from the Aine Murphy Dance Academy in Tralee and Killarney, while Noel Heaslip also serenaded Rose of Tralee 2025 Katelyn Cummins with ‘The Rose Of Tralee’.

Today’s celebrations included the Kerry County Council Official Welcome Ceremony for the 32 International Roses at the Island of Geese.

The event was hosted by Festival sponsor Kerry County Council and attended by distinguished guests including Minister for Education Norma Foley, Pa Daly TD, Mayor of Kerry Mikey Sheehy, Mayor of Tralee Angie Baily and Niamh O’Sullivan, Director of Economic and Community Development, Kerry County Council. Scroll down for photos…