Rose of Tralee 2026: Westmeath’s Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh crowned at the 66th festival

The 2026 crown has gone to Westmeath

The 25-year-old emerged victorious from a field of 32 contestants, with hosts Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas revealing her as the winner at the Dome in Tralee on Tuesday evening. The title also comes with a €25,000 prize package.

This year’s festival saw all 32 Roses take part across the two-night event, with contestants representing communities from around Ireland as well as countries including Australia.

"I am not usually speechless. I don’t think this is real, I am actually just so overwhelmed. I honestly would not have been able to do any of this without these girls."

- Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh

How the 2026 Rose of Tralee winner was chosen

Ní Choiligh was chosen by a four-person judging panel consisting of RTÉ weather and National Lottery presenter Nuala Carey, Murphy’s New Homes representative Aisling Murphy, fashion designer Don O’Neill and former 1974 Rose of Tralee Maggie Flaherty.

The judging process is far more extensive than what viewers see on the two televised nights. The panel spends five days getting to know the Roses through a mixture of formal interviews and more relaxed occasions before deciding on the winner, according to the Irish Mirror.

Winning the title also comes with more than the €25,000 prize package. Ní Choiligh will have the use of a fully electric Kia EV3 for the next year, as well as complimentary stays at the Meadowlands Hotel in Tralee.

Speaking after her win, she said she hoped to use the opportunities that come with the title to travel internationally and help bring members of the Irish community around the world closer together.

The festival was broadcast live by RTÉ over both nights and remains one of the most recognisable events on the Irish television calendar.