This year's hopefuls for the Rose of Tralee have gathered in the Kingdom ahead of the competition's opening night on Monday.

A total of 65 Roses are chosen from around the world, and only 32 make it to the final two nights of the festival.

The winner will be announced on Tuesday, following the second part of the international selection.

Daithí O Sé is again presenting this year's two-night international selection, which will be broadcast live from the Festival Dome in the town.

Deirdre Ward, this year's Abu Dhabi Rose, is looking forward to seeing people from her native Donegal in the audience:

The Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney paid his first visit to the Rose of Tralee festival last night: