Invercargill-born but Dunedin-based Kelsi Wallace (27) said she was still processing that she had won the national title in Auckland late in April.
Ms Wallace will compete on the international stage in August alongside 36 women from around the world, at the five-day Rose of Tralee festival in Tralee, County Kerry.
It was something she had always wanted to do, after becoming inspired at Irish dancing competitions, she said.
"Especially with all the girls there and how accomplished they were. It’s surreal.
"It was very surprising and amazing I actually got chosen for that, because it means a lot to me and a lot to my family."
Her Irish-born grandfather had encouraged her in her goal and was proud of her win.
"He had the classic Irish response — ‘Yeah, good girl’.
"A lot of our connections and heritage actually come from his stories," Ms Wallace said.
"He feels a little bit humbled ... with us sharing those."
Ms Wallace will travel with her parents and fiance to Ireland.
Her time there would involve a tour of the country, a street parade and other events, she said.
"It’s a really big cultural festival over there."
She hoped to be able to encapsulate a bit of Kiwi culture to share with her fellow Rose competitors.
While she was still learning more about what would be on her schedule, she understood competitors would be judged on criteria such as "Irishness", intelligence and grooming, and some would perform an Irish dance and play a tin whistle in the talent section.
Preparation would include professional head shots, and shopping for formal and cocktail dresses for events.
"There’s quite a high dress code over there."
Some fundraising would be needed to cover the multitude of expenses involved with her preparations, she said.
— Toni McDonald
