Aisling Guilfoyle, the 2025 Luxembourg Rose;
Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu
Ahead of this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival, Chronicle.lu talked to recently crowned Luxembourg Rose, Aisling Guilfoyle, who will represent the Grand Duchy at the festival.
The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of Ireland’s largest and longest-running festivals. Dating back to 1959, it celebrates Irish communities and in particular young women of Irish descent (Roses), from countries all around the world. As 2025’s Luxembourg Rose, Aisling Guilfoyle will travel to Ireland to represent the Grand Duchy at the five-day festival, which takes place in Tralee, Kerry, Ireland, from Friday 15 August to Wednesday 20 August 2025. The festival culminates in the selection of the International Rose of Tralee, who will represent Ireland and the festival, both locally and around the world, during her one-year reign.
Chronicle.lu: Looking back to the Luxembourg Rose Ball in mid-May, please tell us how you were feeling that evening, including in the lead-up to the judges’ announcement and in the immediate aftermath of hearing your name and realising you had won and would be travelling to Kerry in Ireland in August to represent Luxembourg.
The night of the Luxembourg Rose Ball was one of those unforgettable, slightly surreal evenings. I was definitely nervous - there were a lot of people in the room I either knew or who knew my family, which always adds an extra layer of pressure! But more than anything, I was excited. We had spent time together as Roses in the lead-up to the event, so by the time we were all sitting there in our dresses, it honestly felt like a group of friends, not competitors.
The committee had created such a warm, thoughtful atmosphere - from organising hair and makeup to making sure we all felt confident and comfortable. I really just wanted to enjoy the moment.
When the time came for the judges’ announcement, I genuinely had no idea what to expect. I would have been happy for any of the other girls - they were all so kind, interesting and genuine. I know people always say that, but I really mean it.
When my name was announced, I completely froze. There was a split second where I just stared ahead, like… wait, really? And then it all hit me - excitement, disbelief, joy and a healthy dose of “oh wow”, I have a lot to prepare now! Even my mum turned to me in shock. It was surreal, in the best way possible - and it still kind of is.
Chronicle.lu: You are heading off shortly to the Rose of Tralee in Kerry, Ireland, that is taking place in mid-August: what have you been doing to prepare for it, how long will you be there for and what are you expecting?
I will be in Ireland for about 10 days to two weeks and I am honestly buzzing with excitement. It all starts with a bus tour around Ireland, which already feels like the start of something special - visiting towns, meeting people and building friendships that I know will last far beyond the festival. Then we arrive in Tralee, where the real whirlwind begins - parades, interviews, family reunions, beautiful dinners, community visits and the excitement of meeting our Rose Buddies and escorts.
To prepare, I have been asking lots of questions - past Roses have been amazing with their advice. I now know that lozenges are essential and so are plasters for the backs of your feet - because let’s be honest, we will be in heels for most of the day. I have been sorting out all the logistics too, but a big part of the preparation is mental. I have been thinking a lot about how to stay grounded and present - and how to represent Luxembourg in a way that is true to me.
And of course, there is the small matter of being on live television in front of over a million people! So, I have been mentally preparing for that too - making sure I can speak clearly, express myself with heart and hopefully make people smile.
Chronicle.lu: Please tell us about any official engagements you have attended as the Luxembourg Rose since mid-May and your role.
Since mid-May, I have had the honour of attending a few incredible official events. I was invited to the Irish Ambassador’s Residence, where I had the chance to meet Irish Ministers Timmy Dooley and Thomas Byrne during their visit and later on, I was incredibly fortunate to meet the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin. That was definitely one of those “did that just happen?” moments!
I also attended a film screening organised by the Irish Embassy to celebrate Irish gay marriage - a powerful, emotional evening that reminded me how meaningful representation and community can be.
As Luxembourg Rose, my role is really to be present - to show up with heart, to listen and to reflect the joy and warmth that this whole experience is about. Whether it is an official engagement or a simple conversation, I try to bring openness, curiosity and a bit of humour wherever I go.
Chronicle.lu: Away from your Luxembourg Rose commitments, can you please tell us what you are currently doing in Luxembourg?
Outside of the Rose world, I work in marketing and communications at the House of Startups, which is part of the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce group. I help promote startups, support events and bring communities together - which fits nicely with my love of people and storytelling.
I also co-run a small Instagram page called @wooporwomp, where we share short, fun food videos as a way to discover new places around Luxembourg. We have had the chance to meet some incredible people, try some amazing food and stay really in touch with what is happening locally. It is a nice way to spotlight hidden gems and support local businesses in a fun and casual way.
Chronicle.lu: Whatever happens in Tralee, what are you looking forward to over the coming year as Luxembourg Rose?
Whatever happens in Tralee, I already feel incredibly lucky to be part of this journey. Over the next year, I am looking forward to continuing to connect with people, support the Irish community here in Luxembourg and use this platform to highlight the little stories and moments that make life feel meaningful.
I am especially looking forward to St Patrick’s Day in New York. I know many of the Roses go over together and it sounds like such a special way to reconnect with everyone and experience that community in a completely new setting. Even though the festival has not even started yet, I am already excited about the friendships that will come out of it and the chance to see the girls again in a whole new light.
I am also hoping to be more involved locally - being more present at GAA matches (who knows, maybe even trying it out one day), showing up at more embassy events and just staying open to whatever comes my way. This experience has already opened so many doors and I am curious to see what is on the other side of each one.
