The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of the Iargest and longest running festivals in Ireland, celebrating 55 years in 2014.
The Rose of Tralee International Festival in County Kerry Ireland
Roses are chosen from our Rose Centers throughout the world including the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Luxembourg, Germany and of course Ireland. Entrants are nominated by local businesses or organisations and take part in local heats to find one person who will represent the centre in the final.
This all leads up to the Selection of the 2014, “Rose of Tralee”. Rose selection is based on the William Mulchinock’s song The Rose of Tralee.
The pale moon was rising above the green mountains,
The sun was declining beneath the blue sea,
When I strayed with my love by the pure crystal fountain,
That stands in the beautiful Vale of Tralee.She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer,
Yet ’twas not her beauty alone that won me.
Oh no, ’twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning
That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.The cool shades of evening their mantle were spreading,
And Mary all smiling was listening to me.
The moon through the valley her pale rays was shedding,
When I won the heart of the Rose of Tralee.She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer,
Yet ’twas not her beauty alone that won me.
Oh no, ’twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning
That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.In the far fields of India ‘mid war’s dreadful thunders,
Her voice was solace and comfort to me.
But the chill hand of death has now rent us asunder,
I’m lonely tonight for the Rose of Tralee.She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer,
Yet ’twas not her beauty alone that won me.
Oh no, ’twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning
That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.
The Rose of Tralee has never been more accessible with regular trains, buses and flights to and from Kerry.
By Railway
Trains run regularly between Dublin and Tralee, and also Cork to Tralee and Limerick to Tralee.
For full details of train times and services visit www.irishrail.ie
Tralee Rail Station +353 (0)66 712 3522
Dublin Rail Station: +353 (0)1 836 6222
Cork Rail Station: +353 (0)21 506 766
You can travel by Bus
Bus services run frequently between Tralee and most major cities. For a full list of services and bus timetables, visit the Bus Éireann website at www.buseireann.ie
Tralee Bus Station: +353 (0)66 712 3566
Dublin Bus Station: +353 (0)1 836 6111
Cork Bus Station: +353 (0)21 508 188
Fly into Kerry international Airport
Kerry International Airport is situated at Farranfore (between Tralee and Killarney) and the journey time from the airport to Tralee is around 20 minutes. The airport handles direct flights from Dublin, London and Germany. Alternatively, Shannon Airport and Cork Airport are both approximately a 2 hour drive from Tralee, and both have bus services direct to Tralee.
Kerry International Airport: +353 (0)66 976 4350 www.kerryairport.ie
Dublin International Airport: +353 (0)1 814 1111 www.dublinairport.com
Cork International Airport: +353 (0)21 431 3131 www.corkairport.com
Shannon International Airport: +353 (0)61 712 0000 www.shannonairport.com
Many first class road to and in Kerry
From Shannon Airport
Take the N18 from Shannon Airport heading towards Limerick City (approx 25 minutes), on the approach to Limerick follow signs for a ring road stating Cork/Tralee/Killarney – N20 and N21. This will lead you to a motor way. Once on the motor way follow the sign for Tralee/Killarney N21.The N21 will take you through the following towns Adare, Newcastlewest, Abbeyfeale and Castleisland. At Castleisland stay on the N21 to Tralee. This journey will take approx 1 hour 50 mins.
From Limerick City
In Limerick City take the N20 Cork which connects onto the N21. The N21 will take you through the following towns Adare, Newcastlewest, Abbeyfeale and Castleisland. At Castleisland stay on the N21 to Tralee.
From Cork Airport
Take the N71 from the Airport. At the Kinsale Roundabout follow directions for theN22 travelling through Macroom, Ballyvourney, Killarney and Farranfore. Join the N21 to Tralee.
From Dublin
Take the N7 Limerick City. Take the bypass the N20 (Cork & Tralee) , which connects onto the N21 (Tralee/Killarney). The N21 will take you through the following towns Adare, Newcastlewest, Abbeyfeale, Castleisland. At Castleisland stay on the N21 to Tralee.