Rose of Tralee contestants unveiled

The countdown to this year’s Rose of Tralee festival begins today when the contestants are officially unveiled.

All 31 of the international and Irish “roses” will meet the show’s host Ray D’Arcy at the RTE studios in Dublin.

The competitors will represent Australia, Canada, England, mainland Europe, Dubai, Ireland and the United States.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival runs from August 17 to 21 with the main contest aired on RTE 1 on Monday and Tuesday, August 20 and 21.