THE Rose of Tralee Tour will return to Cork next week for the first time since 2008.

Members of the public of all ages are invited to come along and meet the Roses at Carrigaline Medical Centre from 11am on Wednesday, August 21 where they can take a selfie and grab an autograph.

The 32 roses are being hosted by sponsors Audiology Medical Services in Carrigaline ahead of the festival in Tralee later this month.

Neuroscience graduate Stephanie McCarthy is the Cork Rose this year.

Audiology Medical Services is a family-owned hearing care provider. Company director Kay Lewis said: “We are especially excited about welcoming the 32 Roses to Cork and to our audiology centre in Carrigaline."

"These young women are role models and wonderful ambassadors for their communities around the world. It’s a privilege to be associated with these ladies and the iconic brand they represent – the Rose of Tralee International Festival.” 

After the Roses depart the Carrigaline Medical Centre, they will make a short journey to the Carrigaline Court hotel who are sponsoring lunch on the day for the Roses.

The Roses will leave Carrigaline at 3pm to continue the final leg of the Rose Tour to Tralee where they are due to arrive at 4.45pm.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival will celebrate 60 Years from Friday, 23rd to Tuesday 27th August when the 2019 Rose of Tralee is crowned in the Festival Dome live on RTÉ One TV.