International Roses kick off Kerry tour in Killarney

The 32 international contestants competing in the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival officially made their long-awaited arrival in the Kingdom on Wednesday, with landmark venue Kate Kearney’s Cottage hosting their very first official engagement in County Kerry.

Following a busy week-long tour across the country, the Roses arrived at the entrance to the Gap of Dunloe to launch the Kerry leg of their journey. The afternoon proved to be a major highlight of the tour so far, with the contestants treated to traditional jaunting-car rides through the glaciated valley, a wool-spinning demonstration, and lunch in the beer garden.
Deputy Mayor of Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Brendan Cronin, was on hand to formally extend a warm town welcome to the international visitors as they soaked up local hospitality, traditional food, and iconic mountain scenery.
After their afternoon in Killarney, the group departed to continue their itinerary in Listowel, where they were greeted by Mayor of Listowel Municipal District, Cllr Jimmy Moloney, before making their final arrival into Tralee ahead of the festival weekend.
SIDEBAR: Dublin Rose leads festival betting
As the festival gets underway, punters are already backing their preferred candidates ahead of next week’s televised selection nights and crowning in the Dome.
According to bookmaker BoyleSports, Dublin Rose Suad Mooge has emerged as the clear 2/1 favourite after steady support, having opened at 5/1.
Kildare Rose Jessica Hunter has seen her odds shorten dramatically to 11/2 from an opening 40/1, while Leitrim’s Catherine Cullen has backed into 6/1. Meanwhile, local interest remains fixed on Kerry Rose Caoimhe Lynch—a 28-year-old Beaufort native—who is currently listed at 10/1 as she aims to bring the sash back to the county for the first time in 62 years.

Killarney Park Hotel bids farewell to Noreen

The Killarney Park has marked the end of an era as long-serving team member Noreen McSweeney officially retires after nearly five decades with the business.

Noreen started her career almost 50 years ago at The Ross before moving to The Killarney Park. Over the past half-century, she became a familiar face to generations of visitors to the town and a constant presence for her colleagues.
Managing Director Marcus Treacy praised her contribution to the hotel over the decades:
“Hospitality was never simply a job for Noreen; it is who she is. Caring for people came as naturally to her as breathing. Every guest she welcomed felt genuinely looked after, and every colleague who worked alongside her became better because of her example.
As we continued to evolve The Killarney Park, I often spoke about preserving the hotel’s DNA. The surroundings could change and our standards could continue to rise, but the soul of the hotel had to remain the same. If I were ever asked to define that DNA in one person, it would be Noreen McSweeney. She embodied everything we stand for , genuine hospitality, warmth, professionalism and heartfelt care.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, the Treacys added:
“Noreen has been part of our family for almost fifty years. Her loyalty, kindness and commitment have helped shape The Killarney Park into the hotel it is today, and we will always be grateful for everything she has given to our guests, our colleagues and our family.
While we will miss seeing her every day, we are delighted that she begins this new chapter. She will always have a place at The Killarney Park, and we look forward to welcoming her back, this time as our guest.”