Ireland's most adorable pet competition returns this summer

The Nose of Tralee, Ireland’s most loved annual pet competition, is back for its 11th year.

Last year, 1,500 pets participated in the Nose of Tralee, a cheeky riff on the world-famous Rose of Tralee International Festival.

To enter the Nose of Tralee, pet owners simply need to upload a photo of their pet and share why they deserve to be the next Nose of Tralee.

All types of pets are welcome to enter the Nose of Tralee - previous years have seen horses, pigs, birds, and much more enter!

The smile-inducing competition is open to residents in all 32 counties of Ireland.

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Ozzy represented Co Galway in the 2023 Nose of Tralee.

After a public vote and evaluation by a judging panel, 32 finalists will be chosen to represent each county in Ireland.

The grand winner of the Nose of Tralee will then be announced on August 20 following an online public vote.

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Florence represented Co Fermanagh at the 2023 Nose of Tralee.

Kate McQuillan, Owner of Pet Sitters Ireland, expressed her enthusiasm: “We are delighted to return for the 11th year and can’t wait to see the incredible variety of pets that will enter.

"The Nose of Tralee is the highlight of our year, and I know many pet owners have been eagerly awaiting their chance to participate.

"We're excited to read all the wonderful reasons why each pet would make a great Nose of Tralee and to see which county will claim the title from last year’s winner, Stitch from Limerick.”

While Stitch claimed the top prize last year, Winston from Co Louth was the runner-up.

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Winston from Co Louth, the runner-up for the Nose of Tralee 2023. (Courtesy Petsitters Ireland)

The winner of the 2024 Nose of Tralee not only wins the coveted title, they also win a €250 Pet Sitting Voucher From Pet Sitters Ireland, a €500 Store Voucher From Tesco Ireland, and a photo shoot with David McAuley Photography. 

The Nose of Tralee runner-up will receive a €100 Pet Sitting voucher and a €150 Tesco voucher.

Pet owners can submit their entries for the Nose of Tralee online here. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter, but entrants must be resident in Ireland and can only enter their pet in the county in which they reside.