Rose of Tralee has 'a few surprises' in store as the festival kicks off in Kerry

Host Dáithí Ó Sé says there's nowhere else he'd rather be tonight than in the iconic dome

Donegal Rose Katie McAteer and Cork Rose Jennifer Byrne reach new heights at Birds Amusements, Tralee. Pictures: Domnick Walsh

Tralee was buzzing with excitement on Monday morning as the Kerry town prepared to kick off one of the biggest nights in Irish television.

With the festival being cancelled for both 2020 and 2021, the anticipation was palpable as market stalls started to set up shop along the town's main street below the famous Rose of Tralee lights and plenty of green and yellow flags.