‘A new era’ – the Rose of Tralee returns with more diverse criteria for applicants

They've made like Dua Lipa with a selection of new rules for those looking to apply.

The search for the 2022 Rose of Tralee is officially underway following a three year hiatus. The return of the world famous festival brings with it a selection of new rules, most notably:

• Trans women and all those who identify as women are welcome to enter
• Married women may now enter the festival
• The cut-off age for those entering has been extended to 29

Along with these changes, the "entrant sponsorship fee" which is required with entrants who live in Ireland has been reduced from €300 to €200. Speaking to RTÉ Entertainment, Rose of Tralee host Dáithí Ó Sé has said he "really hopes" that the festival will welcome its first trans contestant this year. The tv presenter said:

It's about being inclusive, we're all here together, it's a very safe place and it's a good fun, happy place to be..... The Rose of Tralee has always been forwarding thinking, say for example there was a time where if you had a child you weren't allowed to enter, that changed a good few years ago.

The the first openly gay Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh (the 2014 Rose) added:

I think it's only right that we fit within other international festivals also in terms of trans rights..... I think that is a testament to the modern woman in modern society that we live in, and when we start placing her, or however she identifies, in a box, then we're limiting ourselves and limiting the movement that you feel is quite palpable now in 2022 with Irish women, and across the world.

This years Rose of Tralee festival will take place at Tralee’s Meadowlands Hotel from August 19th til August 23rd. If you're interested in applying, you can do so HERE. Header image via roseoftralee.ie READ NEXT: Three Irish restaurants added to the 2022 MICHELIN Guide