Ireland’s most beloved festival was launched on Valentine’s Day, putting the Rose on the hunt for the very best talent across the country.
The search for the 2023 Rose of Tralee and Rose Escort of the Year are officially on. The festival was launched on 14 February by the reigning 2022 Rose and Rose Escort, Rachel Duffy and Shane McHugh, alongside RTÉ presenter Daithí Ó’Sé.
The trio launched the festival in the Rose Garden of Tralee Town Park, in front of the statue of Mary O’Connor, the original Rose of Tralee.
32 Rose Centres across Ireland and the world are officially on the hunt to find the perfect Rose to represent them at the festival in August.
At the launch, Daithí said, “We’re here in Tralee today at the Rose Garden, and you can’t see any roses, no colour at all. If you come here in August, it will be full of colour, full of people and full of real Roses as well!”.
The Rose of Tralee – one of Ireland’s oldest festivals
The 2023 Rose of Tralee International Festival will occur from August 18th-22nd. As one of Ireland’s oldest and largest festivals, it still grows in popularity each year.
In recent years, approximately 100,000 people have enjoyed the festivities throughout the five-day event.
The reigning Rose, Rachel Duffy, urges anyone thinking of entering to bite the bullet and do it. She said, “The one thing I can say to any young woman interested is go for it and apply!
“The Rose of Tralee International Festival has truly been the most incredible experience so far and it’s a brilliant opportunity to connect with other women and represent your community on a national stage.
“I am so grateful for all the lifelong friends and memories I have made on this journey. I wouldn’t change a thing”.
Apply to be a Rose today – applications for the 2023 Rose of Tralee are now open
To enter as a potential Rose, you must identify as a female and be aged between 18 and 29. Applicants must not have reached the age of 30 by 1 September 2023.
Applicants must also be born in Ireland or be able to trace their ancestry back to Ireland. A sponsorship fee of €250 is required from Irish applicants.
As well as the Irish Rose Centres, international centres include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, the UK and Germany. Are you up for it? Fill out the application form here.
Apply to be a Rose Escort – interviews start in April
Rose Escort applicants must identify as male, be 21 by 1 January, and have yet to reach their 32nd birthday on or before 1 September 2023.
They must also not be married or have been married previously. Interviews for applicants will begin in April before a team-building Boot Camp in June for successful candidates.
The role of Rose Escort is to support the Roses, as well as the festival team, on a broader scale. Application forms for Rose Escorts can be filled out here.
