Rose Tour 2010

They say it’s a long long way from Clare to here! Well it is if you start your journey in Dublin, travel northwesterly through Birr, Co Offaly then into Ballinsloe via Banaher, onto the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare, southwards to Limerick and then into the Kingdom of Kerry along the coast road via Tarbert towards Tralee.

That’s the route the 32 Roses will take on the annual Rose Tour which kicks off on Tuesday 17th August.

They’ll begin with an official photo and press call with the Rose of Tralee TV Selection Host, Dáithí Ó Sé at the RTÉ Television Centre in Dublin on the morning of Tuesday August 17th. The ladies will remain in Dublin for the day and night during which time they will visit historic and iconic Irish landmarks such as Kilmainham Gaol and the Guinness Storehouse where they will learn to pull their own perfect pint of the black stuff.

The lead sponsors of the Rose of Tralee, Newbridge Silverware will welcome the Roses to their showrooms in Co Kildare where they will be presented with some wonderful pieces of Newbridge Jewellery.

After an overnight stay in the Carlton Dublin Airport Hotel it will be onwards to Co Galway on Wednesday morning, stopping off for lunch at the County Arms Hotel in Birr, Co Offaly. The Roses will be given a lesson in how to play camogie - just like hurling but played by women. Birr Castle Demesne will also feature as a visiting point on this leg of the tour. Ballinasloe, Co Galway is where the Roses will be treated to a sumptuous banquet by Rose of Tralee sponsors The Carlton Hotel Group at the luxurious Sheerwater Hotel.

Thursday is the day not for anyone with a fear of heights as the Roses will visit one of Ireland’s most beautiful locations – The Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare. They will then journey south to Limerick for another fun evening meal, this time with their Escorts, at the Carlton Castletroy Hotel.

Friday is the day that everyone will be most looking forward to, as that is when the 32 Roses will travel to Kerry for the beginning of the Rose of Tralee International Festival. They will travel the scenic route along the Shannon Estuary before stopping for refreshments at the renowned Kirby’s Lanterns Hotel in Tarbert. Then it’s on to the Carlton Hotel Tralee where the Roses will meet the 32 Rose Buds and the Festival begins!