Rose of Tralee festival kicks-off

The Rose of Tralee International Festival will get underway in the Kingdom of Kerry today when the 32 Roses arrive in Tralee following a week-long tour of Ireland.

They'll be greeted by a Civic Reception hosted by the Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Johnny Wall after which they'll prepare for the Gala Rose Ball in the Dome tonight.

Communications Manager for the Rose of Tralee International Festival, John Drummey, says it is a very important event on the Irish Festivals Calendar: "We're very excited. We have had a great Rose tour, they've been to Dublin, Kildare Mayo, Galway, Limerick and arrive in Tralee today.

"They've sent a picture postcard to the world to show how important the Rose of Tralee International Festival is in connecting the global Irish community.

"It's a major date in the Irish festival calendar. We're looking forward to a very successful week."