Meet your Roscommon celebrity – the 2025 Roscommon Nose of Tralee, Bailey.
Name: Bailey
County: Roscommon
Age: 4 ½ years
Breed: Bichon Frise
Special Skill: Sleeping
Favourite food: Loves all food. Bailey especially loves cream crackers, ice cream and cheerios.
Favourite Toy: Kong Classic which is a red rubber toy that you stuff with treats and the dog has to try to get the treats out.
Favourite Place to Sleep: Behind the kitchen door or on the armchair in the kitchen.
Favourite Activity: Walking and Sleeping
Favourite Place to go for a Walk/Hangout: Bailey loves to walk around Sliabh Bawn Mountain because he doesn’t have to be on the lead so he is free to run around. His favourite place to hangout is by his owner’s mother’s side. Bailey always has to be wherever his owner’s mother is.
Most mischievous thing you have ever done: Bailey has knocked toilet roll down of the armchair,then ate toilet roll and then also ripped the toilet rolls and then brought them into his bed along with a slipper.
How did you come into your owner’s life? I have always wanted a bichon frise or poodle for a good few years. My parents decided to buy me a bichon for my 21st birthday. So Bailey was an early surprise 21st birthday present for me because I got Bailey in February and my birthday was in July. Bailey came into my life in February 2021 and he was just over 1 month old back then.
What makes you the most pawtastic pet ever? I’m the most pawtastic pet ever because I’m such a loveable dog. I always bring a smile to my family’s face. I’m a friendly and loyal dog.
Why did you decide to enter the Nose of Tralee? I entered the competition for a bit of fun and we definitely had fun. I also entered the competition to make my family and County Roscommon proud of me. I also entered the competition to show everyone how special Bailey is.
How did you prepare for the contest and get votes? I prepared for the competition by practicing my poses for lots of pictures to be taken. My owner Ciara put pictures up online every couple of days reminding people to vote. I did articles for our local newspapers to try to get votes. I also did a phone interview which was on the lets talk show on Shannonside radio talking about Bailey, the competition and how people could vote.Also there were articles online about Bailey to try to get votes. I sent the link to family and friends to get them to vote. I kept reminding my family and friends to vote for Bailey every 24hours.My family and friends sent the link to their family and friends to get them to vote.I got my work colleagues to vote for Bailey. The lady that grooms my dog shared the link online to get pet lovers to vote for Bailey.
What did you enjoy most about the Nose of Tralee? The thing I enjoyed most about the Nose of Tralee was seeing myself in articles online and in the local newspapers. I have also enjoyed being famous the last few months. I enjoyed opening the package we received from pet sitters Ireland with my sash, treats and a Roscommon Bandana. I also enjoyed trying to get the perfect photo of me in the sash for the final.
What advice would you give to the next Nose of your County? Enjoy every moment of the competition. Contact your local newspapers about doing an article about your pet. Also contact your local radio station about doing an interview. Share daily reminders online to remind people to vote every 24hours. Share the link to vote with as many people as possible so family, friends, work colleagues and followers online. Get your family and friends to share the link to vote with their family and friends. Go to any agricultural shoes in your county to try to get people to vote.
How are you handling your newfound fame? Taking it by my stride. Still can’t believe I got to represent Roscommon in the final. It’s great being famous because I get lots of attention.Lots of memories that we will remember and cherish forever ❤️.
If you could be any superhero who would you be? Very interesting question but I think I’m already my owner’s superhero.
Where can your fans follow you online? Don’t have any account online dedicated to Bailey.
You can follow his owner Ciara on tiktok through the link below where you will see tiktoks of Bailey. https://www.tiktok.com/@ciarak270?_t=ZN-8zV97AbFwcY&_r=1
Kate McQuillan is the co-founder of Pet Sitters Ireland, an award-winning pet sitting and dog walking company established in 2010 with her husband, Michael. Together, they support thousands of pet owners across Ireland with trusted, in-home pet care. With over 14 years of experience, Kate shares practical advice to help pet owners feel confident and prepared when it comes to their pet’s care.
