Festivities are in full swing in Kerry as the countdown begins for this evening's Rose of Tralee, which will be broadcast live on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player.
There'll be plenty of craic, excitement, and memorable moments in store, with presenters Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas leading the festivities and chatting to 32 Roses over two nights - Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 August from 8pm.
Watch: Rose of Tralee co-hosts Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas tell Shauna Burdis about the magic of the festival
The Rose of Tralee International Festival remains one of Ireland's most enduring and beloved cultural events, bringing together people from across the country and around the world to celebrate Irish identity, heritage and ambition.
Speaking to RTÉ Entertainment ahead of the festival, co-hosts Ó Sé and Thomas said the event serves as a "reminder that there's good things in the world as well".
Thomas said she gets "huge energy" from the class of 2025.
"They are so giving and they're so full of stories about where they come from, their Irishness, their excitement for the Rose of Tralee," she said of the Roses.
"There's brilliant stories, so many different careers, so many different dreams, so many different goals they want to achieve, so many different perspectives on what is happening in the world politically, so, you're energised."
Radio and social media star Carl Mullan is set to take on the role of Master of Ceremonies and will introduce each of the Roses before they take to the stage, while James Patrice returns with backstage antics as the official Rose Reporter.
The Rose of Tralee International Festival 2025, Monday and Tuesday, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, 8pm.
