The 2026 Rose of Tralee festival formally started its two-day televised contest on August 17, 2026. Tralee hosted 32 Roses competing at this year's festival as participants assembled for the event. Broadcaster RTE offered live coverage as the festivities began during night one of the broadcast.
As part of the festival events, a Cavan man was chosen as the 2026 Rose Escort of the Year. The two-day televised contest continues in Tralee with 32 Roses competing, while RTE provides real time coverage of the festival proceedings.