Dáithí Ó Sé Gears Up For Rose Of Tralee 2026: RTÉ Star Shares Co-Hosting Secrets And Upcoming Season Plans

Irish broadcasting powerhouse Dáithí Ó Sé is stepping back into the dome as the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival prepares to take center stage in County Kerry. With live broadcasts just days away, the veteran presenter remains the anchor of RTÉ's late-summer entertainment slate, bringing his signature charm to one of the country's most-watched live television events.

Steering Ireland's Favorite Summer Spectacle

Dáithí Ó Sé has become synonymous with Irish summer television. Since taking the reins of the Rose of Tralee selection nights in 2010, the Kerry native has brought his trademark wit, warmth, and unpredictable energy to the live stage. His ability to handle the spontaneous moments of live television has cemented his status as a national broadcaster.

The 2026 festival marks his third consecutive year sharing co-hosting duties with Kathryn Thomas. This dual-presenter format, introduced to modernize the broadcast's pacing, has proven highly successful with audiences. Their natural on-screen chemistry and shared humor have revitalized the show's structure, allowing the broadcast to navigate tight live-television schedules while keeping the focus on the contestants.

Off-stage, Ó Sé’s deep connection to his home county of Kerry and his fluent Irish language background continue to make him one of RTÉ’s most versatile cultural ambassadors. Whether managing unexpected stage props or leading the audience in song, his presence remains the steady pulse of the annual festival.

How to Watch the 2026 Festival Broadcasts Live

For viewers tuning in both domestically and across the global Irish diaspora, accessing the live shows remains highly streamlined for the 2026 season. RTÉ has optimized its digital platforms to handle the massive influx of international traffic expected during the selection nights.

• Television Broadcast: RTÉ One will carry full, uninterrupted live coverage of the main selection nights directly from the Kerry Sports Academy dome.
• Digital Streaming: The RTÉ Player will stream the entire event live worldwide, offering free access to international audiences looking to support local contestants from the US, UK, Australia, and beyond.
• Key Event Timings: Live broadcasts are scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM Irish Standard Time (IST) on Monday, August 24, and Tuesday, August 25, 2026, featuring the iconic live interviews and party pieces.

Autumn 2026 Broadcast Schedule and Today Show Return

Once the excitement in Tralee wraps up, Ó Sé will immediately pivot to his demanding autumn television commitments. September 2026 marks the highly anticipated return of RTÉ’s flagship afternoon program, Today, which he co-hosts alongside Maura Derrane and Sinead Kennedy from the RTÉ Cork studios.

Now entering its fourteenth successful season, the daily lifestyle show remains a cornerstone of daytime television in Ireland. The upcoming season promises updated lifestyle segments, interactive viewer elements, and a renewed focus on regional Irish stories.

Beyond his studio commitments, Ó Sé continues to expand his advocacy work. Throughout the latter half of 2026, he is slated to spearhead several regional charity initiatives and men’s health awareness campaigns, maintaining his active, hands-on connection with communities across the country.