Wicklow Rose Selection Returns to Arklow This May
Entries are now officially open for this year’s Wicklow Rose Selection, with organisers confirming the 2026 event will take place on Saturday, May 9th at the Arklow Bay Hotel.
The Wicklow Rose Centre has announced it is “so excited” to return to the Arklow venue, which previously hosted the 2024 selection night.
Organisers said they are thrilled to welcome back the Arklow Bay Hotel as a proud sponsor after what they described as a hugely enjoyable event last year. They have also confirmed the Bridgewater Shopping Centre as a proud sponsor of the 2026 Wicklow Rose Selection.
The annual selection night will see participants from across the county compete for the title of Wicklow Rose, with the winner going on to represent the county at the internationally renowned Rose of Tralee International Festival later in the summer.
Entry Requirements
Women interested in taking part must meet the official criteria set out by the Rose of Tralee organisation.
Applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age by January 1st in the year of involvement and not have reached their 30th birthday on or before September 1st of that year.
- Be female or identify as female.
- Be born in Ireland, be an Irish citizen, or be of Irish heritage through an ancestor born in Ireland.
- Not have previously represented any centre as a Rose at the Regional Festival or International Rose of Tralee Selection.
- If residing outside Ireland, have lived in the region they wish to represent for at least one year and, if selected, remain resident there for the following 12 months.
- Be available for selection events and, if chosen, for the full International Festival programme.
Building on Last Year’s Success
Last year’s Wicklow Rose, Kerry Byrne, proudly represented the county at the 2025 International Festival in Tralee. Throughout her term, she took part in a wide range of community engagements, charity initiatives and promotional events, embodying the festival’s emphasis on ambition, community spirit and Irish heritage.
The Rose of Tralee festival, which dates back to 1959 and was inspired by the 19th-century ballad “The Rose of Tralee”, celebrates Irish women and women of Irish heritage from around the world. More than a beauty pageant, the modern festival focuses on personality, achievements, community involvement and cultural pride.
Each year, Roses from Ireland and the global Irish diaspora gather in Tralee, Co Kerry, for a week-long celebration featuring interviews, live television broadcasts, cultural events and community activities before one participant is selected as the International Rose of Tralee.
For Wicklow hopefuls, the journey begins in Arklow this May.
Organisers are encouraging anyone who has ever considered entering to take the opportunity this year, describing the experience as empowering, confidence-building and filled with lifelong friendships.
Further details on how to apply can be found through the Rose of Tralee website or by following the Wicklow Rose Centre on Instagram.
