The Rose of Tralee

Every August, the Rose of Tralee is held in Tralee, Co. Kerry, and has evolved into much more than a basic beauty contest. From its modest origins in 1959, when the festival budget was only £750, the Rose Of Tralee has grown to become one of the most prominent occasions in the Irish social calendar, second only to St Patrick's Day in terms of colour, fervour, and popularity.

To give it its formal name The Rose of Tralee International Festival is a five-day event that draws 200,000 people from all across Ireland and the world. Contestants compete for the title of The Rose of Tralee from every county in Ireland, as well as females of Irish origin from as far away as New York, Boston, and Australia. It's similar to a Miss World pageant but far more wholesome. The celebration is broadcast on prime time television in Ireland and is watched by approximately a million people, while a carnival atmosphere prevails in the Rose of Tralee are paraded through the streets on floats, followed by open-air concerts.

Since 1959, the event has been hosted in Tralee every year. It wasn't until the 1970s, however, that organizers chose to name the festival after the town's famed hymn, the Rose of Tralee.

Time: August

Location: Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland