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.

Samhain Chiarraí returns top to streets this autumn

Killarney will take centre stage for major spectacles and cultural highlights as Samhain Chiarraí returns from October 15 to November 1.

The immersive county-wide festival celebrates the ancient Celtic turning of the year through fire, folklore, music, and street art.
The festival kicks off in Killarney with the Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) running from October 15 to 18. Based in the town, KIFF will host feature films, documentaries, shorts, and the Kerry premiere of The Biddys documentary.
Killarney will also host the signature An Cailleach Chiarraí celebrations from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25.
The town will host a specially commissioned street performance inspired by An Cailleach Chiarra, the ancient Goddess of Winter, curated by West Kerry street arts company MÓTU.
Award-winning storyteller Aindrias de Staic will bring his unique blend of folklore and performance, alongside the return of the popular Fire Rituals, Super Céilí, and a full schedule of family-friendly workshops and interactive events.
Meanwhile, after lighting up Killarney, the signature Cailleach Chiarraí street spectacles and fire rituals move to Tralee from Friday, October 30 to Sunday, November 1.
The Samhain Chiarraí festival spans the autumn mid-term break, bookended by the Dingle Food Festival and Listowel Food Festival. It also supports local community initiatives across Kerry, including Féile Éile in Killorglin and the Patrick O’Keeffe Festival in Castleisland.
Declan Murphy of Fáilte Ireland noted that Samhain Chiarraí is a fantastic example of how authentic local culture can create compelling visitor experiences. As part of Ireland’s Home of Halloween programme, the festival showcases Kerry’s unique heritage through storytelling, performance, and community participation.
Full programme details will be announced in the coming weeks at <-block _nghost-ng-c78555923=”” class=”ng-star-inserted”>discoverkerry.com/SamhainChiarrai.