Ria Scanlon, a nine-year-old student from Sessiaghoneill, Ballybofey, has been selected as a Rose Bud for the 2026 Rose of Tralee festival. Chosen from a pool of over 300 applicants, Scanlon will participate in festival parades and live RTÉ broadcasts alongside the 2026 Roses. The festival is scheduled for August 14–18, 2026.
How the Rose Bud selection process works
The Rose Bud program offers young participants a behind-the-scenes experience at the annual Rose of Tralee festival. For the 2026 event, Ria Scanlon was selected from more than 300 candidates to represent the festival on a national stage.
The role involves several public-facing duties. Scanlon, a pupil at Sessiaghoneill National School, will participate in official parades, attend exclusive festival events, and appear on live RTÉ broadcasts. Her mother, Kim Scanlon, confirmed that the family was notified of the selection in recent days.
Under the revamped competition rules, competition centers now nominate a Rose every two years rather than annually, extending the tenure of each titleholder.
Who is representing Donegal at the 2026 festival?
Emma Nelis, an English and History teacher at Errigal College in Letterkenny, was crowned the 2026 Donegal Rose in May. Nelis, who hails from Gartan, serves as a community volunteer in addition to her teaching role. Because of the updated two-year competition cycle, Nelis will hold the Donegal Rose title for two years.
What are the 2026 festival dates?
The 2026 Rose of Tralee festival will take place from August 14 to August 18. The televised segments of the competition, which feature both the Roses and their Rose Buds, are scheduled for August 17 and 18. These broadcasts are hosted by Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas.
Pro tips for festival attendees
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Rose Buds chosen?
Rose Buds are selected through an application process that reviews over 300 entries. Successful applicants, like Ria Scanlon, are chosen.
What is the new format for the Rose of Tralee?
The competition now operates on a basis where individual centers put forward a Rose every two years.
Who hosts the Rose of Tralee?
The festival is hosted by Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas, with the main televised events taking place at the end of the festival week.
Are you planning to attend the 2026 Rose of Tralee in Tralee? Share your thoughts on this year’s festival preparations in the comments section below.