All Photos by Domnick Walsh Photography
There were flips, flops, and plenty of laughs as 32 of Ireland’s finest – this year’s official Rose Escorts – descended on Kerry for a high-octane, high-energy adventure that tested everything from their stamina to their ironing skills.
Cork and Dublin topped the list of successful Rose Escort applicants again for this year’s Festival with four each making the shortlist of 32 chosen after a gruelling Rose Escort Bootcamp in Co Kerry, while teaching is the most popular profession among the group.
The annual Rose Escort Bootcamp kicked off at the Meadowlands Hotel in Tralee, where the young men were officially welcomed and posed for the cameras before sizing up the competition.
But the relaxed start was short-lived. Over the next 48 hours, the chosen few – whittled down from hundreds of hopefuls – took part in a jam-packed itinerary that brought them across the Kingdom and back, with just enough time to catch their breath (and maybe a few midges).
From open-top buses to mountaintop hikes, whiskey tastings to dolphin sightings, the weekend had it all. After conquering Mount Brandon on a hike with Irish Adventures Dingle, the group enjoyed a pit stop at Paudie O’Sé’s legendary pub before continuing on to Dingle Distillery for a sip (or three) of locally made whiskey, gin and vodka – for educational purposes, of course.
Later, it was time to test their sea legs with a Dolphin Boat Tour around Dingle Bay, followed by a hearty BBQ and singalong session at Paul Geaney’s pub. Rumours of impromptu boyband auditions in the beer garden remain unconfirmed.
The next day came with a very Kerry-style wake-up call: a jog and bracing dip at Banna Strand, led by Beachfit’s Seán O’Connor, who ensured there was no chance of a lie-in or a hangover. Then it was off to Tralee Fire Station for a hands-on training session with Kerry Fire and Rescue Service – because a Rose Escort must always be ready to leap into action (or at least help carry the Roses’ bags).
The bootcamp closed with a final brunch back at the Meadowlands, where the lads were reunited with their phones and treated to some well-earned breakfast before heading home.
While the Rebel County are tied with Dublin for most Escorts this year, Kerry and Meath are close behind. And the furthest-travelled Rose Escort award goes to a gent flying in all the way from sunny California to join the crew, swapping surfboards for sashes to be part of this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival.
And while their backgrounds are as varied as their accents – from teachers to radiographers, farmers and even a Forbes 30-under-30-featured businessman – all 32 have one thing in common: they’ll be on hand in Tralee this August 15th–19th to help the Roses shine.
So whether they’re dodging rain, dazzling on stage, or delivering a Rose to her next appearance with a smile and an umbrella, these lads are officially Bootcamp-certified and Festival-ready.
The 2025 Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from August 15th-19th in Tralee, Co Kerry. The Rose Escort of the Year will be announced live on stage on Monday 18th August on RTE with hosts Daithí O’Sé and Kathryn Thomas.
Tickets for the live televised nights are on sale at www.roseoftralee.ie
