18 Roses contest in Tralee

18 contestants in this year's Rose of Tralee are taking to the stage in the Festival Dome tonight.

The event is being televised, with around three quarters of a million viewers expected to tune in.

Meath Rose Elysha Brennan says she is hoping that her voice will hold up for her performance:

"I am excited, I'm a bit nervous about how my voice will hold up," said Ms Brennan.

"But I'm really excited, and it'll be nice to sit down and relax and watch all the other girls perform spectacularly on Tuesday."